Last updated on May 20th, 2023 at 08:06 am
Israel has a unique and diverse culinary culture that blends the old and new, combining traditional recipes with innovative twists. With influences from Jewish, Arabic, and Mediterranean cuisine, Israeli food has a distinct and flavorful character that has gained popularity worldwide. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best new and traditional delights of Israeli cuisine.
Do you understand what is the beauty of Israeli food / Israeli cuisine? Or do you have any idea about the Mediterranean diet? Well, it’s not by chance that Israel is considered among the top healthy countries around the globe. We embrace the growing superfoods that fuel us. Our diverse populations mean that foods from all over Europe have become absolute staples in every kitchen.
So, Israel is number one on a list of the world’s most healthy nations. Hummus, tomato cucumbers, extra virgin olive oil … and other staples are on virtually every Israeli plate.
Therefore Israel is #1 on a new ranking of countries with the lowest rate of diet-related deaths worldwide.
1. Mediterranean diet & Israeli cuisine
The healthful foundation of Israel’s way of eating is common to all countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.
Israel has a rich culinary history influenced by the Mediterranean diet and various cultural traditions. The Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, focuses on consuming whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Israeli cuisine is known for its use of fresh herbs, spices, and vegetables, as well as its incorporation of Middle Eastern and North African flavors. The Mediterranean diet encourages moderate amounts of fish and poultry, and a low intake of dairy products (mostly yogurt and cheese), red and processed meats, and sweets. Israeli cuisine offers a unique blend of flavors and cultural traditions, making it a must-try for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re enjoying traditional dishes or new Israeli cuisine delights, the Mediterranean-inspired diet is sure to satisfy your taste buds and provide numerous health benefits.
2. Salad with breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Freshly chopped salad is the cornerstone of all Israeli meals. The most basic Israeli salad starts with locally grown cucumbers and tomatoes dressed with herbs, sea salt, extra-virgin olive oil (the only kind available here), and squeezed lemon juice.
3. Big breakfasts in Israeli cuisine
If you’ve ever enjoyed a traditional Israeli breakfast buffet at a hotel or restaurant, you know what we’re talking about. In Israeli cuisine, breakfast is considered the most important meal of the day, and it is often a big and hearty affair. The traditional Israeli breakfast is a delicious spread of salads, cheeses, bread, and eggs, served with hot and cold beverages. It is a fusion of flavors from different cultures, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the country.
4. Hummus, hummus in Israeli cuisine
If you don’t see a plate of homemade hummus at mealtime, you’re probably not in Israel. Hummus is a delicious and nutritious creamy paste – based on protein-rich chickpeas, sesame tahini, sea salt, and lemon juice.
5. Tahini
Tahini is a condiment made from toasted, ground sesame seeds. It is a staple ingredient in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, including Israeli cuisine. Tahini is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, including hummus, salad dressings, sauces, and even desserts. Tahini is a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like calcium and iron. It is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Because of its nutritional value, tahini is often used as a vegan substitute for dairy products like cream or cheese.
Tahini (tahina to Israelis), simply ground sesame seeds, is not only an essential ingredient in hummus but has pride of place in Israeli cuisine as the basis of an all-purpose dip and dressing.
6. Pomegranates
The regal red pomegranate is one of the seven indigenous crops mentioned in the Bible (the others are wheat, barley, grapes, olives, figs, and dates) and is a visual symbol of Israel itself.
Pomegranate seeds (the edible part of the fruit) guard against cancer and heart disease, boost immunity and reduce chronic inflammation. Gastric distress, hot flashes, hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis, osteoarthritis, hypertension, and high cholesterol are some of the ailments pomegranate seeds are believed to ease.
7. Tomatoes and Chery tomatoes in Israeli cuisine
Israelis don’t consider a salad to be a salad if it doesn’t have chopped tomatoes in it.
Along with vitamins and minerals, tomatoes contain lycopene, the carotenoid phytonutrient that makes them red. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant beneficial for the heart, blood pressure, prostate, bones, and skin. Our bodies absorb lycopene best when tomatoes are consumed with something oily like olive oil or cheese.
The benefits of a hearty breakfast have been proven in several Israel studies that reveal eating more in the morning and less in the evening suppresses blood sugar surges, eases weight loss, and helps diabetics avoid insulin resistance.
8. Olive Oil
Unrefined extra-virgin olive oil is the foundation of the Mediterranean diet, and hence in Israeli cooking.
Health Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and contains a variety of powerful antioxidants. Some of the health benefits associated with olive oil consumption include:
- Reduced risk of heart disease: Olive oil has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Improved brain function: The antioxidants in olive oil can improve brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
- Reduced inflammation: Olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Lower risk of certain types of cancer: Studies have shown that regular consumption of olive oil may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer.
9. Dates and date honey (silan)
In Israeli cuisine, dates and silan are used in a variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. Silan is often used as a glaze for roasted vegetables, such as carrots or sweet potatoes. It can also be used as a sweetener in salad dressings, marinades, and sauces. Dates are commonly used in Middle Eastern desserts, such as halva and baklava. They are also a popular ingredient in smoothies and energy bars.
Israelis love locally grown dates and this superfruit loves us back: dates protect against heart attack and stroke by lowering blood triglyceride levels; stabilizing blood pressure; and providing a good dose of antioxidants, vitamins A and B, protein, and dietary fiber.
10. Shakshuka
Shakshuka is a dish of Northern-African origin and is a great option for breakfast meals. The dish is elegant in its simplicity, yet knows endless variations. At its core, shakshuka is made by poaching eggs in a skillet filled with a bubbling tomato stew of peppers, onions, herbs, and spices (it’s popular for breakfast and brunch)
6 Israeli Startups That Are Revolutionizing the Meat and Dairy Industry – You Won’t Believe What They’re Doing!
Israel has gained recognition as a hotspot for innovative startups in various industries, including the meat and dairy sectors. Specifically, in the realm of meat and dairy, Israeli entrepreneurs and scientists are at the forefront of developing alternative and sustainable solutions to address the challenges associated with conventional animal agriculture.
These startups are driven by the growing demand for more sustainable, ethical, and environmentally-friendly food options. By leveraging technological advancements and scientific expertise, they aim to revolutionize the way meat and dairy products are produced, offering alternatives that have a reduced impact on the environment and animal welfare.
The focus of these Israeli startups is on developing alternative sources of protein that can serve as substitutes for traditional meat and dairy products. They explore various approaches, such as plant-based alternatives, lab-grown or cultured meat, and fermentation techniques to create dairy-like products.
Israel’s strong foundation in technology, research, and entrepreneurship has provided a conducive environment for these startups to flourish. The country is home to renowned academic institutions, research centers, and a supportive ecosystem that fosters innovation and collaboration.
The startups in Israel’s meat and dairy industry are driven by a shared vision of creating a more sustainable and ethical food system. They aim to reduce the environmental footprint associated with traditional animal agriculture, including land use, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption. Additionally, they seek to address concerns related to animal welfare, food safety, and the need for more efficient and scalable food production methods.
Through their cutting-edge technologies, these startups are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the food industry. They are not only focused on developing products that replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of conventional meat and dairy but also strive to make them more accessible and affordable to consumers.
By pioneering alternative and sustainable solutions, Israeli startups are not only contributing to the global shift towards more environmentally-friendly and ethical food choices but also positioning Israel as a leader in the field of innovative food technologies.
Here are a few notable examples:
Aleph Farms: Aleph Farms is pioneering the field of lab-grown meat, also known as cultured meat. They aim to produce real meat without the need for traditional animal farming, reducing the environmental footprint associated with conventional meat production.
Redefine Meat: Redefine Meat is using 3D printing technology to create plant-based meat alternatives that closely mimic the taste, texture, and appearance of traditional meat. Their approach involves combining plant-based ingredients to create realistic meat-like products.
SuperMeat: SuperMeat is focused on developing cultured chicken meat, growing real chicken cells in a lab setting to produce sustainable and cruelty-free meat products. Their goal is to provide a viable alternative to conventional chicken production.
Future Meat Technologies: Future Meat Technologies is working on scalable solutions for cultured meat production. They aim to make lab-grown meat more accessible and affordable, addressing challenges related to cost and scalability.
Imagindairy: Imagindairy is utilizing fermentation technology to create dairy alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy products. By harnessing microbial fermentation, they produce dairy proteins without the need for animals.
InnovoPro: InnovoPro is focusing on producing plant-based protein ingredients derived from chickpeas. Their innovative process allows for the extraction of highly functional and sustainable proteins that can be used as alternatives to traditional meat and dairy proteins.
These Israeli startups are at the forefront of a global shift towards more sustainable and ethical food production. By offering alternative meat and dairy options, they aim to address environmental concerns, reduce animal agriculture’s impact, and provide consumers with more choices that align with their values.
The success of these startups highlights Israel’s reputation as an innovation hub, where technological advancements and entrepreneurial spirit combine to drive positive change in the food industry.
Thanks for sharing. Nice article
From Hummus to Shawarma. I love
Israeli Cuisine Is a Big Hit in Europe
I recently tried the Sabich sandwich, and it was amazing! It’s a popular street food in Israel, and it’s made with fried eggplant, hard-boiled eggs, hummus, tahini, and Israeli salad, all wrapped in a pita bread. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures, and it’s a must-try for anyone who loves Israeli cuisine.