Culinary Traditions Thrive in Jordan's Orchard-Filled Highlands

By Ivan PetrenkoApr 18, 2024 06:30 AMNews
Share:
Brown and white concrete building on brown rocky mountain during daytime
Brown and white concrete building on brown rocky mountain during daytime. Source: unsplash

In the verdant highlands of northern Jordan, amidst sprawling orchards and olive groves, local culinary traditions offer a fresh, organic experience deeply rooted in the region's rich soil and vibrant culture. Nestled between the rustic villages of Orjan and Rasoun, I recently discovered how these lush landscapes serve not only as a backdrop but as a vital ingredient to the local lifestyle.

As I wandered through the gardens of Eisa, a local tour operator and passionate advocate for Jordanian heritage, the air was ripe with the fragrance of figs—a staple in local cuisine and a symbol of the region's agricultural bounty. Eisa, who also co-founded the Jordan Trail, has dedicated his life to showcasing the natural and cultural treasures of Jordan, particularly its culinary delights.

A Day Harvesting with Locals

The day began with a warm invitation to explore Eisa’s family orchard, a small yet bountiful plot where the branches bow under the weight of ripe pomegranates, figs, olives, and lemons. It’s here that one truly appreciates the connection between the land and the table—a relationship that Eisa joyfully shares with visitors and his own family.

After a morning in the orchard, we ventured into the local market to gather ingredients, a vibrant mosaic of community and commerce. The market bustles with energy, with vendors proudly displaying the fruits of the Jordanian earth. Here, locals prefer to sell their surplus produce, sharing the very essence of their gardens with neighbors and strangers alike.

Cooking and Community

Back at Eisa's home, the kitchen is the heart where family and guests gather. Eman, Eisa’s wife and an adept cook, introduced me to the traditional dish of maqluba—an aromatic marvel that she prepares with a mix of local vegetables and spices sourced from their garden. The process of cooking maqluba is itself a lesson in the Jordanian way of life: communal, generous, and deeply connected to the land.

The dining experience is communal, reflecting the Jordanian ethos of hospitality and sharing. As the dishes came to the table, each recipe told a story of the landscape, the climate, and the people who cultivate and cherish it. The meal, featuring not only maqluba but also freshly made sides like musakhan rolls and jarjeer salad, was a celebration of Jordanian agriculture and culinary artistry.

Sustainable Practices and Cultural Preservation

What stands out in northern Jordan is not just the food itself but the sustainable practices that underpin its production. The local reliance on seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients exemplifies a lifestyle that respects and preserves the environment—a practice that Eisa is keen to pass on to visitors and future generations.

As the sun set over the hills of Ajloun, the day concluded with stories and laughter, echoing the community spirit that defines this region. The simple act of sharing a meal extends beyond nourishment; it’s a communion with nature, heritage, and each other.

Top Articles
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM
Person in tropical shirt looking at a docked cruise ship

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Modern hotel room with cozy design

Exploring Istanbul: New Lodging Opens in Historic Karaköy

Sep 17, 2025 23:51 PM
Ryanair passengers boarding at airport

Ryanair Passenger Convicted After Onboard Assault

Sep 17, 2025 21:34 PM

Passengers Can Bring Pets on Select Australian Flights

Sep 17, 2025 20:27 PM

Temporary Rail Changes May Affect North Wales Coastal Travel

Sep 17, 2025 20:13 PM
Wizz Air aircraft wing flying above clouds

Direct Air Link from Varna to Milan Bergamo Returns

Sep 17, 2025 19:56 PM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and warm lighting

New Lodging Opens Near Disneyland Paris for 2026 Visitors

Sep 17, 2025 19:49 PM
Swiss International Air Lines planes at Zurich Airport terminal

Zurich Airport Tests Driverless Buses, Paving the Way for Faster Internal Travel

Sep 16, 2025 22:26 PM
Railway signal light along rural tracks

Essential Rail Upgrades Bring Travel Disruptions

Sep 16, 2025 21:49 PM
Model walking runway in flowing red gown

Global Cities Open Their Doors: Travelers Gain Insider Access to Art, Fashion, and Film

Sep 16, 2025 20:33 PM

Roadworks to Affect Access to Rotterdam The Hague Airport in September and October

Sep 16, 2025 19:24 PM

Manchester Airport Expands Flights to Unusual Global Destinations

Sep 16, 2025 18:47 PM
Chef plating gourmet seafood dish

From Pasta to Pastries: Interactive Cooking Experiences Worldwide

Sep 16, 2025 12:31 PM
Commercial airplane flying against clear sky

Daily Flights to Vilnius and Fresh Routes from Tallinn This Winter

Sep 15, 2025 22:27 PM
KLM aircraft landing during winter schedule expansion

KLM Expands Winter Flight Network with 161 Global Destinations

Sep 15, 2025 21:41 PM
Passengers waiting in line at an airport boarding gate

Air Canada Maintains Flights and Expense Support for Travelers

Sep 15, 2025 20:34 PM

Avanti West Coast Increases Train Services Across Key UK Routes

Sep 15, 2025 19:29 PM

Bodrum Adds Coastal Stays for Future Visitors

Sep 15, 2025 18:43 PM
Workers repairing railway tracks during maintenance

East Midlands Rail Works to Affect Weekend Travel Plans

Sep 15, 2025 17:36 PM
Scenic view of St Vincent coastline with small islands and turquoise waters

Caribbean Trips Expand Beyond Popular Destinations

Sep 14, 2025 21:25 PM
Airplane flying against cloudy sky

Norwegian Expands Direct Flights from UK to Scandinavia for Summer 2026

Sep 14, 2025 01:38 AM
Modern hotel room with twin beds and minimal decor

Waldorf Astoria Has Opened in Costa Rica Near Key Natural Attractions

Sep 13, 2025 23:46 PM
Tokyo Disneyland entrance decorated for holiday season

Tokyo Disneyland to Introduce New Holiday Parade This Winter

Sep 13, 2025 20:29 PM

Icelandair Introduces Year-Round Flights Between Edinburgh and Reykjavik

Sep 13, 2025 19:33 PM

Reduced SAS Fares Support Travel Amid Storm Disruptions in Northern Sweden

Sep 13, 2025 18:44 PM
Railway signals glowing red at sunset

Temporary Train Changes in Sicily Could Impact Tourist Plans

Sep 13, 2025 01:27 AM
AirAsia airplane wing and logo above the clouds

New Direct Air Connections Open Between Malaysia and Pontianak

Sep 13, 2025 00:31 AM