International Hummus Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Due to the fact that May 13 is International Hummus Day, we are compelled to celebrate the intoxicatingly delectable mixture of chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic known as hummus. There are countless methods to celebrate, from making your own red pepper hummus to spreading dessert hummus on a cookie purchased from the store. We’re not going to miss the hummus festival, which we’ve heard is a remarkable occurrence. Hummus has existed for centuries and continues to be one of the most adaptable and nutritious mainstays in many diets. Today, we celebrate hummus for all that it contributes to our diet and culture, and for the fact that we can all concur that it is the ideal food.

The background of International Hummus Day

The origin of hummus is contested and shrouded in mystery. Despite the fact that we know it originated in the Middle East, many regions around the eastern crescent of the Mediterranean claim to be its true birthplace. The first cookbook reference to hummus was discovered in Cairo in the 13th century, where it was described as a cold chickpea puree without lemon juice or garlic, but with pickled lemons, herbs, and seasonings. It still sounds decent to us.

In the Middle East, where legumes are abundant, hummus remained a staple food for many people. In fact, “hummus” derives from the Arabic word for “chickpea”! Even though it is debatable whether or not the Greeks invented hummus, it is widely believed that it was introduced to the Middle East by Greek and Middle Eastern merchants, along with baklava and stuffed grape leaves. Due to this, it is considered one of the most versatile cuisines.

It is also the national cuisine of many Middle Eastern nations. It is a cultural phenomenon as well as a culinary one, with nations claiming ownership over hummus. In 2008, Lebanon attempted to prosecute Israel for allegedly “stealing” hummus! The two then attempted to break the world record for the largest platter of hummus. It may surprise you to discover that the first British grocery store to stock hummus did not do so until 1980, despite its enduring popularity in the Middle East and Southern Europe. Unsurprisingly, it quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom, primarily due to its health benefits.

Undoubtedly, hummus’s debut in the United States was fashionably tardy. Twenty years ago, most Americans probably couldn’t even pronounce the dish’s name, and annual sales barely exceeded $5 million. Today, the dish is readily available in most supermarkets and is considered a staple in many American households. In the Middle East, hummus is becoming an increasingly common and middle-class dish, whereas Americans are falling hard for the yellowish spread. It is estimated that more than a quarter of American households currently have hummus in their refrigerators.

Since 2012, when the first International Hummus Day was observed, our taste senses have been celebrating.

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INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY ACTIVITIES

Make homemade hummus!

Simplicity appears to be the key to enduring popularity; hummus is composed of only legumes, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic. There are many delicious humus recipes available online, but as long as you have a food processor and the four essential ingredients, you will be successful! Once you’ve mastered that, try adding some flavours to create your own hummus.

Try a different hummus flavour.

What is the connection between roasted red peppers, jalapeo, avocado, black olives, and chocolate? They are all wonderful hummus flavours! If your store doesn’t carry the flavour you’re yearning, pick up some plain hummus and flavour it to your heart’s content.

Attend a hummus celebration

You heard us correctly: hummus festivals do exist. Check out the hashtag #hummusday or the @hummusday account on Instagram to learn about local events. You can also locate Hummus Day on Facebook and peruse their website to learn about upcoming events. They’re on every continent, so there’s a good possibility you’ll be able to attend something!

5 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT HUMMUS

The Omega-3 fatty acids in hummus are known to maintain both heart health and a positive disposition!

Although the spread has gone global and the recipe has been altered, the four essential ingredients have remained constant: chickpeas, sesame paste, lemon juice, and garlic.

Made from protein- and vitamin-rich chickpeas (the “Queen of Aphrodisiacs,” as they are sometimes referred to), hummus has been known to assist in sexual functions and increase physical energy.

One cup of legumes, the primary component of hummus, contains 200 calories and one gramme of fat.

According to some folklore, hummus is one of the earliest prepared foods.

INTERNATIONAL HUMMUS DAY DATES