Gourmet Delights from the Holy Land

Embark on a mouth watering journey through Israeli cuisine with ArtzaBox's gourmet collection. Discover rich flavors and cultural heritage from the Holy Land!

a stone arch on the beach with the ocean in the background
By Daniel Goodman

Updated May 5, 2024.

Israel breakfast Shakshuka recipe

In this article

Holy Land Culinary Traditions

Israeli Famous Food - Hummus, Halva and Shakshuka

Welcome to the Holy Land Gourmet Artza blog.

Holy Land Gourmet especially in Israel is a vibrant tapestry woven from a rich heritage of diverse influences; from the fragrant spices of the Middle East to the hearty comfort foods of Eastern Europe. Each dish tells a story of the people and with each bite you can understand and taste the heritage of the chef's roots.

Holy Land Culinary Traditions

Israelis are proud people, who take pride and inspiration in their heritage by bringing their roots into their daily lives in the form of cuisine. Israeli food is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. From Jewish, Arab, Mediterranean, Eastern European and North African culinary traditions each with its unique flavors and techniques - the Holy Land has it all.

Step into the warmth of our Holy Land Gourmet adventure through the vibrant flavors of Israeli foods in the Holy Land with Artza. Join us as we share delightful new recipes and introduce you to our specifically selected products in our food & gourmet section. Let's embrace the joy of tradition together and uncover the heartwarming background and stories woven into each ingredient sourced directly.

Olive Oil

Olive oil, often hailed as "liquid gold," embodies the essence of culinary tradition in the Holy Land. Its flavour and golden infuse dishes with a distinctive Mediterranean character, from fresh salads to hot pita bread. Beyond its culinary versatility, olive oil holds symbolic significance, representing abundance, prosperity, and the enduring connection to the land.

In biblical times, the olive tree symbolized eternity, and olive oil was used for anointing and lighting lamps. Today, olives continue to be celebrated for their health benefits, rich in phytonutrients that combat inflammation, lower cholesterol, and promote overall well-being.

Honey

Honey: "The land of milk & honey" - is a biblical reference used to describe the Promised Land in the Hebrew Bible.

Not only is honey delicious, honey has biblical meaning behind it; It symbolizes a land of abundance, prosperity, and blessings.

Bring the sweetness and essence of Israel's culinary heritage to your home with our Date Spread or Date Syrup—a versatile delight perfect for elevating your favorite dishes or can be enjoyed as a stand-alone treat.

Israeli spices

Israeli people are known to be slightly 'Harif' which translates into 'spicy' so it is a must we had to include Israeli spices in our Holy Land gourmet blog. Drawing inspiration from centuries-old spice routes and diverse cultural influences, Israeli cuisine boasts a rich array of aromatic spices that tantalize the senses and awaken the palate. From the earthy warmth of cumin to the tangy brightness of sumac to the 'flavourful israeli schnitzel mix', each spice tells a story of resilience, innovation, and the vibrant mosaic of cultures that call Israel home. Explore the essence of Israeli cuisine with our handcrafted spice blends, carefully curated to capture the essence of the Holy Land's rich culinary heritage.

Israeli Wine

Wine: Often symbolizing abundance, blessings, and joy - Psalm 104:15, "and wine to gladden the heart of man".

The wine industry in Israel is steeped in tradition and symbolism, often representing abundance, blessings, and joy.

Wine holds a special place in biblical narratives and cultural celebrations alike. With a history dating back thousands of years, Israel's wine industry continues to thrive, producing a diverse array of wines that reflect the country's unique terroir and winemaking traditions. The diverse climates and agricultural conditions in Israel mean that a wide range of wine variations can be produced. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Galilee to the rolling hills of Judea and Samaria, from the smaller boutiques such as; Noga Yekev located in the north, to the large three; Carmel Winery, Golan Heights and Barkan Winery - Israel is renouned in the world of wine.

Now let's get a bit hands-on.

Israeli Famous Food - Hummus, Halva and Shakshuka

When people think of Israeli food, one of the first things that inevitably springs to mind is; hummus, halva and shakshuka.

Here in Israel these are three staple foods, that are loved to be had a all times.

Hummus: Regularly families gather at their favorite hummus spots to savor this healthy and delicious dish on weekends. Hummus is a staple dish enjoyed with almost everything!

If you wish to try to make your own Israeli-style hummus we have written a step-by-step guide to help you make your own hummus like an Israeli.

Halva. The origin of Halva dates back over 4,000 years! In the early 1900s, immigrants introduced it into Israeli cuisine, and it has been a highly influential ingredient since then. Almost every restaurant or food market that you visit in Israel offers a Halva-based dessert. Made from sesame, it is very rich in protein, calcium, and Vitamin B. The Israeli food, Halva can be eaten on its own, or can be eaten as a cookie (my personal favroite).

Finally, but most definitely not last is the delicious shakshuka. Shakshuka is the quintessential Israeli breakfast. The dish dates back to the early 16th century and is enjoyed at restaurants and homes all over Israel.

Shakshuka is an Israeli dish that is regularly served for breakfast with warm bread, however, it can be eaten at all times of the day. This delicious dish can be eaten in both warm and cold climates and will always be a treat for the taste buds.

Discover The Israeli Cuisine With Artza

Feeling a little bit hungry or nibbly after all this food talk? Embark on a tantalizing journey through ArtzaBox's gourmet collection, where each product is a delicious expression of Israel's rich culinary heritage. From authentic spices to decadent spreads and handcrafted delicacies, our curated selection invites you to savor the flavors of the Holy Land, each product tells a story of resilience, innovation, and the vibrant mosaic of cultures that call Israel home.