International Hummus Day

Considering May 13th is International Hummus Day, we have no choice but to celebrate this delicious concoction of garbanzo beans, tahini, lemon juice and garlic - aka hummus.

Hummus is an Eastern Mediterranean and Egyptian food. It can come 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.

Today, this delicious dip is popular throughout the Middle East (including Turkey), North Africa (including Morocco), and in Middle Eastern cuisine around the globe.

Hummus can be a healthy part of a delicious Mediterranean diet, providing nutrients, all with a delicious taste. And International Hummus Day is the perfect day to learn more about this mouthwatering dish and of course make time to eat it too!

Some truths about Hummus

• Happy heart, healthy heart

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

• Same in every country

Although the popularity has spread globally and the recipe has been slightly tweaked, the four main ingredients have always remained: chickpeas, sesame paste, lime juice, and garlic.

• It is an aphrodisiac

Made from chickpeas rich in protein and vitamins ("The Queen of Aphrodisiacs", as they are sometimes called), hummus has been known to support sexual functions and boost physical energy.

• A lean cuppa

In just one cup of chickpeas, the base ingredient of hummus, there are 200 calories and just one gram of fat.

• Food first

In some folklore, hummus is considered one of the oldest processed foods.

History of International Hummus Day

The origin of humus is cloudy and hot contested. Although we know it has its origins in the Middle East, many of the areas surrounding the Eastern crescent of the Mediterranean claim to be the true origin of the delicacy. The first mention of hummus in a cookbook was found in 13th-century Cairo, where it was merely a cold mash of beans, and notably lacking lemon and garlic juice, instead Lemon pickled with oil, herbs and spices. It still looks pretty good to us.

Hummus remains an important food in the diet of many people living in the Middle East, where chickpeas thrive. In fact, the word “hummus” is derived from the Arabic word for “chickpea”! Although there is some debate as to whether the Greeks invented hummus, most believe it spread among Greek and Middle Eastern traders, along with popular delicacies such as baklava and stuffed grape leaves. For this reason, it is known as one of the greatest cross foods.

It is also the national dish of many countries in the Middle East. It's as much a cultural phenomenon as it is a culinary phenomenon, and countries have always backed the hummus claim. For example, in 2008, Lebanon tried to sue Israel for "stealing" hummus! The two then attempts to set the record for the largest plate of hummus. For all its enduring popularity in the Middle East and Southern Europe, you might be surprised to learn that the first British grocer to sell hummus only did so in 1980. However, no wonder it quickly became a huge hit in the UK, largely because of its health benefits.

Hummus has certainly arrived in the US fashionably 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 the world grocery stores and is considered a staple in many American households. While in the Middle East, hummus is increasingly seen as a casual and middle-class meal, Americans love the brownish-hard-to-eat dish. It is estimated that more than a quarter of households in the United States have hummus in the refrigerator at this very moment.

Some reasons for International Hummus Day being loved

• Hummus unites everyone

Although various regions of the world claim to grow the ha thu wu plant, at least we can all agree that this versatile and healthy orchid is nature's perfect food. It's been adopted globally with amazingly minimal changes to the formula or name - we all obviously love it for exactly what it is.

• It's full of vitamins

Hummus is basically… a multivitamin. It's packed with fiber, protein, potassium, B6, folate, and Vitamin C. Not to mention, it can lower cholesterol, reduce hunger and excessive snacking right from the get-go and potentially even contribute to Lowers the risk of certain cancers!

• The possibilities are endless

What didn't happen? Besides being a great potato and veggie dip substitute for richer farm-to-table dips, hummus can be used on sandwiches, salads, and more. Today, it can be enjoyed endlessly, from spicy to savory, even as dessert. The judges rave about it for us, but at least it's healthier than ice cream.

How to celebrate International Hummus Day

• Make your own hummus!

The key to becoming a forever favorite seems to be simplicity - hummus is based solely on chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice and garlic. There are tons of great hummus recipes out there, but as long as you have a food processor and four key ingredients, you'll be on your way to making the main dish! Once you get the hang of it, try adding some flavor to your own custom hummus.

• Try a new hummus flavor

What do roasted red peppers, jalapeno peppers; avocados, black olives, and chocolate have in common? All great hummus flavors! If your store doesn't carry the flavor you're craving, pick up some simple hummus and spice it up to your heart's desire - the possibilities are endless!

• Attend a hummus festival

You heard us right - hummus is real! Check out the hashtag #hummusday or the @hummusday account on Instagram to see what events are happening near you. You can also find Hummus Day on Facebook or check out the various events on their website. Spoiler - they're on every continent, so chances are you'll find something you can attend!

• Introduce a friend to Hummus

While hummus is quite popular around the world, that doesn't mean everyone has been introduced to its deliciousness! Ask around to see if any friends or colleagues haven't tried it. This is the perfect day to help them open their minds and taste buds to discover new and exciting things!