Support an oppressed people in style
The savage genocide of the Palestinian people is a stain on the world. All the more reason to support the many food products and crafts from the occupied territories.
Palestine is famous for its olives, and olive oil still reaches the west. The most available brands in UK shops and online are Zaytoun and Yaffa. Both produced from cold-pressed olives in Palestine. These oils are very palatable and can be used in cooking as well as salad dressing. Zaytoun is a social enterprise established to support marginalised farming communities in Palestine through fair trade, and which reinvests all its profits in this mission. Yaffa is one of the world’s finest cold pressed extra virgin olive oils, harvested from villages near the town of Jenin on the West Bank.
Now, there’s increasing evidence that a tablespoon of olive oil per day reduces the incidence of many chronic diseases, including dementia. Yet another reason to consume it.
Mana’eesh Bread
This is an iconic Palestinian flatbread, topped with a sprightly mixture of Za’atar and olive oil.
Mix up a bread dough to your liking and make it into several flat rounds. When it has risen, mix some za’atar and olive oil and sprinkle it on the dough, avoiding the edges (like a kind of mini pizza). Bake in the oven until golden.
Za’atar
This is an aromatic herb mix, produced from a type of thyme indigenous to Palestine, and shade dried, then mixed with toasted sesame seeds, sumac, sea salt and a dash of olive oil. It is a staple of Palestinian cuisine, and I can report that the herb mix adds taste to a cornucopia of dishes, from stews to soft cheese.
Pretty much anything, from potatoes to chicken can be coated in Za’atar to enhance the flavour. It goes well on toasties or in soup. It’s particularly fun on any type of eggs.
Traditionally it is said to improve intelligence so generations of palestinian kids took sandwiches including za’atar to school to help with their lessons.
The Keffieyeh or Shamagh
The classic arabic headscarf. Unlike a British scarf this cloth has a myriad of uses. I have used it to keep the sun off my head and neck in summer – I burn easily. Yet it doubles up as a scarf in winter. I’ve also sat on it, used it as an improvised tablecloth on a park bench, and it would have an option as a bandage for injuries.
I have both a full size one, and a “kiddy size”, which actually is more versatile in the smaller size, so easier to stuff in a pocket.
Other palestinian goodies include homemade soap, dates and Dead Sea salt. Despite the constant bombardments, artisans are still crafting lovely glass, ceramic and olive wood items for your home adornment.
Outlets
Cafe Palestina
Spindle by Sisters
Ethical superstore