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
Tokyo Disneyland entrance decorated for holiday season

Tokyo Disneyland to Introduce New Holiday Parade This Winter

Sep 13, 2025 20:29 PM
Icelandair aircraft approaching runway

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

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
Woman checking phone for updates

KLM Updates Newsletters with AI to Deliver Travel Insights

Sep 12, 2025 20:48 PM
Red railway crossing signal with barriers lowered under cloudy sky

September Rail Work on North Downs Line May Impact Trips

Sep 12, 2025 19:22 PM
SAS aircraft preparing to land

SAS Opens First Non-Stop Route Between Copenhagen and Seoul

Sep 12, 2025 18:35 PM
People enjoying food festival outdoors

Abergavenny Prepares for Food Festival with New Transport Arrangements

Sep 12, 2025 16:49 PM

Ryanair Confirms Partnership with Skyscanner

Sep 12, 2025 15:23 PM

New Platform Lets Passengers Book Rental Cars Directly at Berlin Airport

Sep 12, 2025 05:36 AM
Hotel glowing with festive lights

Organized Holiday Packages Introduced for Winter Visitors in the Lake District

Sep 11, 2025 22:43 PM
Modern bedroom with decorative pillows and lamps

Napa Valley Expands Stays Ahead of 2028 Opening

Sep 11, 2025 21:26 PM
Person using smartphone, highlighting online security risks

Travelers Face Rising Threat from Fake Airline Sites

Sep 11, 2025 20:39 PM
Construction work on Stockport bridge over railway tracks

Stockport Bridge Works to Affect Key Travel Routes This Autumn

Sep 11, 2025 19:42 PM

Wizz Air to Wind Down Vienna Base

Sep 11, 2025 19:25 PM

Skyhub PAD Reopens Key Connection from Paderborn

Sep 11, 2025 00:38 AM
Transavia aircraft on runway preparing for departure

Transavia Expands Summer 2026 Routes, Opening More Mediterranean Destinations

Sep 10, 2025 22:26 PM
Passenger waiting as LNER train passes

Travelers’ Details Exposed in LNER Supplier Hack

Sep 10, 2025 21:49 PM
Rail workers performing maintenance on train tracks during infrastructure upgrades

Major Rail Works on Caserta to Foggia Line Could Affect Travel Plans

Sep 10, 2025 21:33 PM
flydubai aircraft taxiing on runway with mountains in the background

flydubai and TAROM Connect More European Destinations

Sep 10, 2025 20:24 PM
Wizz Air aircraft on runway at Tirana Airport

Wizz Air Expands Network from Tirana with New Routes

Sep 10, 2025 19:47 PM

Travel Planning for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Made Easier

Sep 10, 2025 18:51 PM

Rail Maintenance to Affect Passengers Along Key Northern Italy Route

Sep 9, 2025 21:27 PM
Modern tropical hotel room with a large bed, woven chair, and a view of lush greenery through floor-to-ceiling glass doors

Panglao Island Expands Options for Visitors to Explore Beaches and Wildlife

Sep 9, 2025 20:41 PM
Person using smartphone indoors

Hidden Costs in Online Travel Platforms Affect European Passengers

Sep 9, 2025 19:34 PM