Hummus Day

Hummus is an Eastern Mediterranean and Egyptian food in the form of a dip or spread made with cooked, crushed chickpeas or other legumes, then mixed with tahini, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and garlic.

Nowadays, it is popular throughout the Middle East (including Turkey), North Africa (including Morocco), and in Middle Eastern cuisine around the world.

Hummus can be a healthy part of a delicious Mediterranean diet with all nutrients and a delicious taste. Moreover, Hummus Day is the perfect day to learn more about this mouthwatering dish and spend time on enjoying it!

History of Hummus Day

The origin of humus is a secret. Although it is known in the Middle East, many of the areas surrounding the Eastern crescent of the Mediterranean claim to be the true origin of the delicacy. Hummus was firstly mentioned in a cookbook found in 13th-century Cairo, where it was merely a cold mash of beans, and was notably lacking in lemon and garlic juice, instead Lemon soaked with oil, herbs and spices, which still looks nice to us.

Hummus is still an important food in the diet of people in the Middle East, where chickpeas thrive. In fact, the word “hummus” is originated from the Arabic word “chickpea”! Although some debate over whether the Greeks invented hummus, most people believe it was spread among Greek and Middle Eastern traders, along with popular delicacies like baklava and stuffed grape leaves. For this reason, it is known as one of the most amazing foods.

In the Middle East, hummus also becomes the national dish. It is considered a cultural phenomenon as well as a culinary phenomenon. In addition, countries have always supported the hummus claim. For example, in 2008, Lebanon had sued Israel because of stealing hummus! And then the biggest hummus plate record. For all its enduring popularity in the Middle East and Southern Europe, however, the first British grocer sold hummus in 1980. It's no surprise, however, that it quickly became a huge hit in the UK, largely due to its health benefits.

Hummus has certainly arrived in the US in a fashion while 20 years ago most Americans couldn't even pronounce the dish's name and annual sales only hit $5 million, today it's found in almost every corner of grocery stores and is considered a staple in many American households. While in the Middle East, hummus is increasingly considered as a casual and middle-class meal, this brownish-hard-to-eat dish become popular by Americans. At present, tt is estimated that more than a quarter of households store hummus in their refrigerator in the United States.

The first Hummus day was in 2012, and our taste buds have been celebrating ever since.

Some truths about Hummus

• Happy heart, healthy heart

Hummus containing Omega-3 fatty acids is known to help maintain heart health and a good mood!

• Same in every country

Although it became popular in the world and the recipe has been slightly changed, chickpeas, sesame paste, lime juice, and garlic are the four main ingredients.

• It is an aphrodisiac

Making from chickpeas rich in protein and vitamins (called "The Queen of Aphrodisiacs), hummus has been useful in supporting sexual functions and physical energy.

• A lean cuppa

In one cup of chickpeas with the basic ingredient of hummus, there are 200 calories and only one gram of fat.

• Food first

In fact, hummus is considered one of the oldest foods.

Why Hummus Day is loved

• Hummus unites everyone

Although various regions of the world lay claim to grow the development of hummus, at least we can all agree that this versatile and healthy orchid is nature's perfect food. It's been adopted globally with amazing changes in its formula as well as name. We obviously love it for exactly what it is.

• It's full of vitamins

Hummus is basically… a multivitamin. It is rich of fiber, protein, potassium, B6, folate, and Vitamin C. Not to mention, it can lower cholesterol, reduce feelings of hunger and overeating in the first place, and potentially even contribute to a lower risk of heart disease chances of getting some cancer!

• The possibilities are endless

What doesn't happen? Besides replacing potato and veggie dip for richer farm-to-table dips, hummus can be served for sandwiches, salads, and more. At present, it can be enjoyed from spicy to savory, even as dessert, amazingly. The judges rave about it because it is healthier than ice cream.

How to celebrate Hummus Day

• Learn how to make Hummus

The fact that hummus is delicious doesn't mean it's hard to make! Hummus contains only a few ingredients, and it's pretty straightforward for those with a food processor or high-speed blender.

To make it, let begin with a can or jar of chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans). Add a pinch of salt, some lime juice, some minced fresh garlic and a little extra virgin olive oil. Throw it all in a food blender and let it turn into something beautiful!

For those who like a little extra flavor in their hummus, try adding a dash of tahini, a paste made with sesame seeds and used in traditional recipes.

• Taste different dip options for Hummus

While traditional hummus is great, it's made so much better by items dipped in or poured on top! Combine it by adding something to the hummus:

• Vegetable: Include carrots, celery, shredded cucumber, sliced bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, shredded zucchini, or radishes.

• Bread: More than just a boring slice of stale toast, bread can be a delightful foray into the world of hummus. Try cookie sticks, slices of pita bread, bagels, crackers, tortilla chips, rice cakes, or pieces of crusty bread.

• Refer a friend to Hummus

In spite of being quite popular around the world, everyone has not known about its deliciousness! How about asking around people to know whether any friends or colleagues have tried it or not? Hummus Day is the ideal day for them to open their minds and taste buds to find more new and exciting things!

• Try Hummus Dessert

Due to its delicious taste, many people didn't really think that hummus could also be a solution for the sweet tooth! Still made with chickpeas (garbanzo beans) as the base, these sweeter dipping sauces include ingredients like almond butter, peanut butter, honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, and cocoa.

Although, due to their sugar content, they may not be quite as healthy as savory mustards, if used as a substitute for a regular dessert, they provide a lot of health benefits and provide fewer calories in the empty form.

• Join the Hummus Day event

Groups and individuals from around the world come together on Hummus Day to enjoy and celebrate this delicious dish. The official Hummus Day website provides information and insight into the various locations where the events are being held.

In the past, events have included a live hummus demonstration on Instagram, live presentations by the Israeli Ministry of Tourism on Instagram, as well as restaurants sponsoring the launch of new hummus flavors.

Various festivals are also often scheduled during the week of Hummus Day, including locations such as Zatar, Lithuania and Al Maeda, Dubai.

Hummus Day activities have taken place around the world, including Europe, Australia, North America, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Check out the hummus day website to see the area's local events.

Of course, those who don't have something going on nearby might want to consider hosting their own Hummus Day Event!