Fun Facts About the Middle East By: Brittany Means

               The Middle East is composed of numerous countries located on and near the Arabian Peninsula in the eastern hemisphere. From a culinary standpoint, the Middle East is viewed as a whole. Middle Eastern cuisine comes from Egypt, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, along with the nations of Afghanistan, Kuwait, Yemen, Armenia and others. Their cuisine’s may vary but they all share some commonalities: fresh ingredients, astringent and piquant spices, olive oil, and only a little meat. Some fresh ingredients include mint, lemon, garlic, and rosemary. The spices and flavors of Middle Eastern food awaken the senses. Food plays an important role in Middle Eastern culture, in fact, food defines the culture. Middle Eastern food is a cuisine built on tradition, history, and passion. In the Middle East food is about family, friends, and celebration. Many of the ingredients and techniques used today are identical to those used in ancient Egypt. Throughout the Middle East the dishes you eat maybe the same, but may taste different. They contain different spices and herbs. The ingredients to a recipe that make up a Middle Eastern cuisine are unique to the region, and the ingredients are left from the past.


Sources:
http://www.msuglobalaccess.net/geo/middleeast/


http://www.globalgourmet.com/destinations/mideast/#axzz11dfnfGni

http://chetday.com/middleeasternfood.htm

http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/u/basics.htm#s1

http://mideastfood.about.com/od/middleeasternfood101/a/easternbasics.htm