Ancient Grains
Earth grains: Return to the roots of a healthier life.
The ancient land of Canaan was named after the grandson of Noah. It is situated within the Levant Region which is modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Israel. This area is famous for its rich lush soil in which it is credited the name of the Fertile Crescent. It is the birth place of an array of healthy, nutritious, whole grains specifically barley, kamut, millet, oats, freekeh, bulgur, sorghum, buckwheat and farro.
The fabric of their structures, flavour and appearance has not altered since their cultivation from ancient times. They are often associated with the Jewish Festivities and Worship (the annual first grain offering), diets and cooking.
Why not take the opportunity to learn how to use the different grains in your cooking from our recipes? Our ancient forefathers did not have a recipe book to start with, so be brave to develop, create and experiment for they are the roots that forge us to different cultures and nations.
Abraham used the same earthly whole grains to create bread and cakes, so why not give it a try?
Genesis 18:5-6
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"And I will take a morsel of bread, and sustain your hearts; after[wards] you shall pass on, because you have passed by your servant."
And they said,
"So shall you do, as you have spoken."
And Abraham hastened to the tent to Sarah, and he said,
"Hasten three seah of meal [and] fine flour; knead and make cakes."
The Oldest Dessert In The World
Noah's ark pudding is a cornucopia of healthy ingredients like dried fruits, legumes and whole grain wheat that are sweetened with sugar and fruit juices and cooked all together in one pot. This pudding traditionally contains apricots, raisins, currants, figs, pine nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, chickpeas, and navy beans to name just a few ingredients.
Some cooks even add chestnuts, lima beans, bulgur wheat and slivers of fresh coconut. Almost anything goes.
The Oldest Dessert In The World
Noah's ark pudding, like many Turkish dishes, has its own story behind it. Turkish legend has it that the first version of 'aÅŸure' was made by Noah himself. After weeks on the ark, the waters began to recede. As food stocks dwindled, Noah decided to throw bits of everything he had left on the ark into one pot.
What he got was a delicious pudding that kept he and his passengers well-fed until the ark finally rested on Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey. Some say 'aÅŸure' is the oldest dessert in the world.
In modern Turkish culture, Noah's ark pudding is a symbol of diversity, friendship, and unity. When a cook prepares 'aÅŸure,' they make a lot, as it's customary to distribute bowls of pudding to as many friends and neighbors as possible.
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About Ashura
'AÅŸure,' the Turkish name for Noah's pudding, is associated with Ashura. Ashura is common throughout the Middle East and spans many cultures, traditions, and religions.
Ashura was originally a Jewish celebration marking the rescue of Moses from the Pharaoh during which Hebrews fasted. Sunni Muslims also connect this period during the year with the deliverance of Moses.
For Shia Muslims, the day of Ashura is celebrated a few days before Ramadan, during "Muharram," the 10th month, to commemorate the martyrdom of al-Husayn, the son of Ali and Fatima and the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.
Ashura reminds Muslims of the sacrifices the Prophet's family made for mankind. The Ashura period is marked by the donation and sharing of food and sweets as an act of communion with God and reunition with humanity.
We even heard that a version of Ashura is celebrated as far away as Haiti!
- 15 US dollars
