35 Madinah food products documented in global Ark of Taste initiative

The Culinary Arts Commission has documented 35 food products from Madinah as part of a list of 180 items in the global Ark of Taste initiative, an online registry established by the international Slow Food organization to safeguard heritage foods, support local producers, and promote biodiversity and culinary heritage.

The listed products highlight the diversity of local ingredients in the Madinah region, showcasing agricultural and food items that are deeply rooted in the area’s history, culture, and traditional culinary practices.

Diverse products reflecting local heritage

The list features prominent local products such as Al-Ais wheat, Barni dates (Al-Ais), Hassawi mint, Al-Faqrah mountain honey, Madini Hummati, Sharik bread, Bisham, Madini cabbage, Madini nabq (jujube), and other items that reflect the region’s rich food diversity.

The initiative aims to highlight the cultural and economic value of local food heritage, support local producers, and strengthen the presence of Saudi products in international platforms and initiatives focused on food heritage and biodiversity.

The commission stated that the initiative helps raise awareness about the importance of protecting traditional food products and preserving the knowledge and practices associated with their production, thereby supporting their sustainability and transmission to future generations.

The inclusion of Madinah products in the global registry underscores the region’s wealth of traditional agricultural and food products, enhancing its role as a key part of Saudi Arabia’s culinary heritage.