Tasty describes itself as the world’s largest food network.
They recently posted this video of Jasmine and Murad swapping “their favorite American and Palestinian snacks.”
The first thing I noticed was how Murad’s pendant showing the entire state of Israel. No prizes for guessing where he stands on peace with Israel.
But more than that. None of the “palestinian” snacks he showcases are actually “palestinian.” (hat tip: Michal)
Pistachio Nuts
There is nothing “palestinian” about pistachio nuts. They are thought to originate in Djarkutan, modern Uzbekistan, and while the tree is native to regions of Central Asia, it is especially true of present-day Iran, not the palestinian-controlled territories. Even Israel-hater Reem Assil, when going over the recipe for her Pistachio cake, admits “the pistachio is believed to have originated in Syria and from there made its way across the region and the world.”
Turkish Delight
As the name implies, these probably originate from Turkey. Even Al-Monitor admits:
Some historians trace its roots to the Persian court, while others claim it was first made in Istanbul to bring some sweetness to the sultans’ tables. In any case, it came to the Middle East through the Ottoman Empire, more or less at the same time that the Ottomans started building the first railways to their eastern provinces. Many gastronomy historians believe that Egypt was the first Arab country to learn the skill of making lokum from the Ottomans. The mix of flour, sweets and nuts then made its way to Palestine, and the Palestinians started exporting it to neighboring countries.
Tazah Maamoul Date Cookies
Maamoul seem to originate in ancient Egypt, and while the Tazah brand is from Los Angeles, these cookies are imported from – you guessed it – Egypt (although the dates are from Saudi Arabia).
Jordan Almonds
These actually may not originate even in Jordan, let alone “Palestine.”
Jordan almonds are thought to originate in ancient Rome, where honey-covered almonds were introduced by a Roman baker and confectioner named Julius Dragatus.
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The term Jordan is most likely a corrupted version of the French word jardin, meaning “garden”, hence, a cultivated rather than wild almond.However, others suggest the term referred to a variety of almonds originally grown along the Jordan River characterized by long, thin, slender, rather smooth kernels in thick, heavy shells. Still others believe that Jordan is a corruption of the name of the town of Verdun in the northeast of France. In the 13th century, when the medieval crusaders brought sugar to Europe after their campaigns in the Holy Land, it was very valuable and considered medicinal. During that time, an apothecary in Verdun began coating other medicines with sugar (calling them dragées) to make them easier to take.
In other words, none of the snacks are distinctly “palestinian.” Using the palestinian propagandists’ own logic they apply to foods eaten by Israelis, this is cultural appropriation.
Of course, I am aware that foods become “adopted” by different cultures, even if originating elsewhere, usually adapted slightly to fit local tastes and influences. This happens everywhere, but only Israel is accused of cultural appropriation.
Because, well, you know why.
