Has Hummus Changed Your Perspective on Cultural Appropriation?

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The Cultural Significance of Hummus: Beyond a Simple Dip

Walking down the supermarket aisle, I stopped in my tracks. An entire shelf stacked with all kinds of wild, colourful hummus. Green hummus with avocado. Brown hummus with chocolate. Red hummus with harissa. Marmite hummus. Truffle hummus. It was endless – and deeply unsettling. I genuinely felt shaken and that emotion caught me off guard.

My journey began with a phone call to my mother in Jordan, who proudly claims to make the best hummus. As soon as I heard her voice, I started sobbing. When she heard me sniffling, in true tough-love fashion, she said, ‘Ah, you must’ve caught a cold from that British weather?’ ‘Yes, Mama,’ I mumbled, unable to verbalize my shock and disgust at the cultural appropriation of something so fundamental to my identity.

The Roots of Hummus

Raised in Jordan, with Palestinian heritage, hummus was more than just food; it was a tradition, a way to connect with my family and culture. Every Friday, we would gather around the table, sharing homemade hummus, a staple of our breakfast ritual. This culinary experience was not just about taste; it was about love, memories, and cultural identity.

As I turned 18 and began to drive, I would bring home plates of hummus from local ‘hummuseries.’ My mother would critique each one, always comparing it to her own, which she deemed the best. It wasn’t until I moved to the UK to pursue a Master’s Degree in Renewable Energy in 2013 that I began to view hummus through a different lens.

The Hummus Revolution

In UK supermarkets, I was shocked to see all types of "hummus fusions," many of which contained no chickpeas at all. The word hummus literally means chickpea in Arabic. Without chickpeas, it’s not hummus; it’s just a dip. While culinary innovation is exciting, many of these so-called fusions can lead to confusion and, worse, erasure of cultural significance. This realization hit me hard.

My understanding of cultural appropriation deepened after a conversation with a friend. She explained that cultural appropriation occurs when elements of one culture are adopted by another, often without understanding their significance or history. This usually involves a power imbalance, leading to misrepresentation. Suddenly, my feelings in that supermarket aisle made sense; I was mourning the loss of my culture and my identity through hummus.

Hummus: A Symbol of Identity

For me, hummus is not just a recipe; it is an identity rooted in the Levant, long before modern political borders divided people. Once I realized how far hummus had strayed from its roots, I sought out a Lebanese-Palestinian friend for his mother's recipe. Having never needed to make hummus myself, I was eager to learn. After perfecting the recipe, I began sharing my authentic hummus with anyone I met.

In Brighton, where I now live, my hummus became a conversation starter. From café baristas to food critics, everyone wanted to know my secret. I would simply reply, “Palestinian love,” with a smile. This simple statement encapsulated the essence of what hummus means to me and my culture.

Preserving the Authenticity of Hummus

As I continued to share my hummus, I became known as the ‘Hummus Guy.’ This title came with a mission: to spread awareness about the authentic roots and cultural significance of hummus. Each time I served it, I shared the stories behind the dish, connecting people to its rich history and the love that goes into making it.

Hummus is a staple at every Levantine breakfast table, a dish that tells stories across generations. However, when commercialized without context or origin, something sacred is lost. Hummus feels like it is being colonized and butchered, even the pronunciation feels foreign. These ‘hummus fusions’ aren’t inherently evil; they are just mislabelled and misleading. If it’s a beetroot dip, call it a beetroot dip.

Cultural Heritage and Commercialization

When heritage is repackaged and resold, especially while communities tied to it are struggling, it becomes an insult. It’s not just about hummus; it’s about history, belonging, and pride. Preserving this piece of culture matters to me, and I am committed to ensuring that people know where it comes from.

A Call to Action

At the end of the day, I wish for supermarkets to honor the actual ingredients and local recipes of hummus. It's time to stop cultural appropriation and ensure that the essence of hummus remains intact. I want to protect this small piece of culture, and I encourage others to do the same. Together, we can free hummus from the shackles of misrepresentation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hummus

What is the traditional recipe for hummus?

The traditional recipe for hummus includes chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. The chickpeas are usually cooked and blended until smooth, creating a creamy dip.

Why is hummus significant to Middle Eastern culture?

Hummus is significant to Middle Eastern culture as it represents hospitality, family, and tradition. It is often served during gatherings and celebrations, symbolizing community and togetherness.

Can hummus be made vegan?

Yes, hummus is naturally vegan as it is made from plant-based ingredients. The traditional recipe does not include any animal products, making it suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike.

What are some popular variations of hummus?

Some popular variations of hummus include roasted red pepper, garlic, and spicy harissa hummus. Each variation adds a unique flavor while maintaining the traditional base of chickpeas.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of cultural representation in food, it’s essential to remember the stories behind our favorite dishes. How can we ensure that cultural heritage is preserved in the foods we love? #HummusLove #CulturalPreservation #FoodIdentity

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