National Hummus Day

Two people enjoying hummus together at a picnic, surrounded by vibrant flowers and greenery, wearing casual summer outfits with a Mediterranean coastal backdrop.. — National hummus day illustration

Do you know the secret ingredient in hummus? Love? No, it’s chickpeas. But love comes a close second. So dust off your blender and slice up your carrots, because we’re here to delve into the creamy, garlicky world of National Hummus Day. It's not just a day, it's an emotion, a sensation, a culinary pilgrimage, that can forever shift one's perspective on chickpea consumption.

When is Hummus Day?

It's national hummus day on the 21st May.

Humming For Hummus

The year that popularized national hummus day was 2015. Our trusty web crawlers have detected a mind-blowing 3,284 mentions of this delightful day online on 21 May. That's a lot of hummus hype! And why not, who doesn’t love a good smack of that chickpea-based wonder?

A Day to Salute the Spread

National Hummus Day isn't just a goofy food holiday, it's a day of unity in a tub of hummus. It's a day to appreciate this simple, scrumptious spread that's been bringing people together since the dawn of blenders. Consuming hummus is not just relishing a delicacy; it's an act of solidarity, a silent nod, a shared experience underlining our universal love for the chickpea concoction.

The Hummus Chronicles

The history of Hummus stretches back to ancient times, but National Hummus Day is a relatively new phenomenon. It was first celebrated in 2012, a fact which makes it about as modern as the latest iPhone model. Yet, the sentiment rings true - our love for hummus is timeless, and what better way to express this adoration than through a dedicated day of celebration!

Celebrate with Chickpeas

How do we celebrate this cherished chickpea day? With lashings of hummus, obviously! Dip crackers, spread it on bread, incorporate it in your recipes, or simply dive in spoon-first, there are no rules!

History behind the term 'Hummus'

13th century

Arab Influence

Hummus has its origins in the 13th century in the Arab world. The word 'hummus' is derived from the Arabic word for chickpeas. Chickpeas have been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years and were a staple food in many Arab cultures. In the Arab world, hummus was traditionally made by grinding cooked chickpeas with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil to create a smooth and creamy dip.

20th century

Introduction to the West

In the early 20th century, hummus started gaining popularity outside of the Arab world. Lebanese and Syrian immigrants brought hummus recipes with them to the United States, particularly to cities with large Middle Eastern communities like New York and Detroit. As people became more interested in international cuisines, hummus found its way onto menus of Middle Eastern restaurants and gradually became more widely known.

1960s

Hummus Goes Mainstream

The 1960s marked a turning point for hummus, as it started to gain mainstream recognition. It became a popular dish among health-conscious individuals due to its high nutritional content and as an alternative to mayonnaise-based dips. Hummus was also embraced by the vegetarian and vegan communities, as it is plant-based and rich in protein. This increased popularity led to the production and distribution of pre-packaged hummus in supermarkets, making it easily accessible to a wider audience.

21st century

Global Phenomenon

In the 21st century, hummus has become a global phenomenon. It is now enjoyed in countries around the world and has transcended its Middle Eastern origins. Hummus has inspired countless variations and flavor combinations, including roasted red pepper, sun-dried tomato, and even dessert hummus made with chocolate and fruit flavors. It has also found its way into fusion cuisine, appearing in dishes such as hummus pizza, hummus-topped burgers, and hummus-filled sushi rolls. Today, hummus continues to evolve and adapt, constantly surprising and delighting food lovers everywhere.

Did you know?

Did you know hummus was allegedly first made in the 13th century? It originated from the Middle East, which might explain why it's so darn good at spicing up any meal.