S4 Ep 30: The History Of Hummus With Guest Meredith Dietz

In this episode of Sprung On Food, we're diving deep into the creamy world of a favorite Middle Eastern staple, hummus. Joined by writer-comedian Meredith Dietz, we explore the rich history and current pop culture status of this beloved dish.

My Personal Connection to Hummus

We begin with Meredith sharing her personal connection to hummus. Despite lacking direct cultural heritage ties, she discovered her love for hummus in a college dining hall. She describes it as her comfort food, a constant presence in her fridge, jokingly comparing it to water. It's a casual, honest appreciation that embodies hummus's universal appeal.

A Taste of History Through My Lens

Turning back time, I explore hummus's origins with Meredith. Chickpeas, the heart of hummus, have been cultivated for over 7,000 years within the Fertile Crescent. Next comes tahini, derived from ancient sesame seeds cultivated in Mesopotamia as early as 2000 BCE. This nutritional elixir was valued throughout history for its health and spiritual benefits.

The classic chickpea and tahini combination we recognize as hummus likely took form during the Ottoman Empire's reign, spreading across the Middle East and developing its own regional twists. Although its exact birthplace is debated, hummus is undeniably a shared Levantine heritage.

Experiencing Global Domination

Flash forward to the late 20th century when hummus began appearing in global markets. It was no longer confined to Middle Eastern delis—thanks to companies like Sabra and PepsiCo's savvy marketing strategies, hummus carved its place in fridges worldwide, turning into a billion-dollar industry by 2017.

Meredith and I discuss major brands, debates over authentic hummus, and adventurous spins on the spread, like chocolate-flavored hummus or the fun of adding hot sauces for an extra kick. Meredith's personal touches, like chickpea chunks or experimenting with different brands, showcase the versatility of hummus.

Hummus in My Pop Culture Experience

From the Oscars to quirky documentaries, hummus has permeated pop culture. Films like "West Bank Story" and "You Don't Mess with The Zohan" use hummus as both humor and a cultural touchstone.

A particular highlight I share: the Great Hummus War, exemplified by Lebanon's 2010 Guinness World Record win with a staggering 20,000-pound plate of hummus. This dish not only bridges divides across cultures but also humorously fosters friendly competition.

My Reflection on Hummus’s Legacy and Appeal

Meredith reflects on discovering hummus without cultural ties, seeing it as an enriching aspect of globalization. "It's a privilege that my favorite food has such a history," she notes. As I summarize, the reachability of hummus opens doors for more explorations and understanding of global cuisines.

Whether you're a hummus enthusiast like Meredith, pondering where the dish started, or a culinary explorer sampling salt and vinegar hummus, its global story is as satisfying as its taste.

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