Hummus is a healthy and delicious Middle Eastern treat typically made of chick peas, olive oil, tahini, lemon, garlic, herbs, and spices. Hummus dip dates all the way back to 13th century Egypt, where variations of the chickpea dip appears in records. In countries such as Egypt, Israel, and Greece, Hummus has been prepared and enjoyed for centuries. The tahini hummus dip only made its way into America recently, however. In the 1960s, hummus first began appearing in health food stores. Though it took decades, market researchers at Symphony IRI Group report that hummus dips now dominate the “refrigerated food spreads” market in the United States.
Not only is hummus deliciously popular, but it’s also one of the healthiest snacks out there. One tablespoon of hummus only contains 25 calories, and only 2 grams of carbohydrates. Hummus is made of chickpeas, which are essential legumes your body needs to get its recommended daily amount of protein and healthy carbohydrates.
According to studies, two spoonfuls of hummus per day has the capability of fulfilling your weekly bean recommendation. Eating the right amount of legumes is linked to lower risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as high cholesterol and hypertension. Hummus is also high in iron, vitamin C, and a great source of both protein and fiber. For vegans, hummus is considered a great meat alternative.
Despite its simple origins, hummus brands have taken a great deal of liberties with the tried and true hummus recipe. In result, the American market has seen a smattering of different flavors of hummus on the shelves. Of the different flavors of hummus available, some of the most popular flavors are basil pesto hummus, roasted red pepper hummus, lemon garlic hummus, jalapeno hummus, and so many more.
And hummus isn’t only for dipping! You can put different flavors of hummus in salads, you can use it as a marinade, you can even put it on a pizza! The possibilities are endless.
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