What is Mouneh?

Mouneh is an old food tradition still produced in rural Lebanon involving the annual processing of fruits, vegetables, herbs, flowers, and animal by-products. It is done naturally according to availability during each season. The foods are later stored away in the pantry or "oodet el mouneh " —which translates to the mouneh room and these preserves are consequently consumed all year long.

Nada Saber's Mouneh Jars

Another words, it is the season's bounty in a jar—ensuring winter's survival (in the past)—the rewards remain, packing the vivid flavors and preserving traditions of our ancestors. It is of value and very much worth perpetuating. It is a food with a social root, a sanctuary of tradition. It is a story of the land and its history. 

By all means, let us not follow only the recipes but let us live them and define our lives according to what we put into our body—it is a way to feed the soul, not just the body. 

Happiness is homemade, and never forget that—for we can find ourselves no further than a simple meal with one's family filled with a dish flavored with a mother's or a father's love.

And finally, let's educate the woman of our society, it is their that lies the answer to a peaceful nation (I'm a bit worried about our poor nation). Remember that we are all a product of our childhood—plenty of good food and good communication can wipe all kinds of misery. As our dear friend Carlo would say, "let us focus on the good, the clean, and the fair".