Lebanese to Israel: Hands off our hummus!
By ZEINA KARAM, Associated Press Writer Zeina Karam, Associated Press Writer
Sat Oct 24, 4:25 pm ET
BEIRUT Lebanese chefs prepared a massive plate of hummus weighing over two
tons Saturday that broke a world record organizers said was previously held
by Israel a bid to reaffirm proprietorship over the popular Middle Eastern
dip.
“Come and fight for your bite, you know you’re right!” was the slogan for
the event part of a simmering war over regional cuisine between Lebanon
and Israel, which have had tense political relations for decades.
Lebanese businessmen accuse Israel of stealing a host of traditional Middle
Eastern dishes, particularly hummus, and marketing them worldwide as
Israeli.
“Lebanon is trying to win a battle against Israel by registering this new
Guinness World Record and telling the whole world that hummus is a Lebanese
product, its part of our traditions,” said Fady Jreissati, vice president of
operations at International Fairs and Promotions group, the event’s
organizer.
Hummus made from mashed chickpeas, sesame paste, olive oil, lemon juice,
salt and garlic has been eaten in the Middle East for centuries. Its exact
origin is unknown, though it’s generally seen as an Arab dish.