Of course, in biblical times Palestine was known as the land of milk and honey, and today olive oil and couscous, za’atar and sesame are well-known and popular around the world. Now these organic and fair trade delicacies, which have long been available in Europe and America, are here for Sydneysiders to enjoy.
To give people a taste of the Palestinian products, the new organization, Palestine Fair Trade Australia, celebrates its launch with a tasting in the Stirrup Gallery at Addison Road Community Centre from 5 to 7pm on Sunday November 15.
As well as a wide variety of olive oils, you can try new taste sensations such as za’atar, a topping of thyme and sumac with hand roasted sesame seeds, or a unique olive honey spread, which combines organic black and green olives and olive oil with Palestinian honey. Other products, prepared in the traditional way by women’s cooperatives, include hand-rolled couscous and freekeh, which is roasted green wheat made from ancient varieties of grains grown in Palestine from time immemorial.
These wonderful delicacies come from the ancient village of Burqin, where our partner organisation, Canaan Fair Trade, is based. Burqin is situated in the north of occupied Palestine on the ancient road between Nazareth and Jerusalem. Burqin has the third oldest Christian church in the world, the Church of Ten Lepers, believed to be the site where Jesus performed the miracle of curing the ten lepers.
The story of Canaan Fair Trade is perhaps a modern miracle story. Canaan Fair Trade, which began in 2004, aims to empower the small farmers of the region, providing them with a means of staying on their traditional lands, maintaining their livelihoods and their culture. It sources its products exclusively from co-operatives and farmers’ associations, to help sustain vulnerable Palestinian rural communities.
Palestine Fair Trade Australia is proud of supporting Canaan Fair Trade and invites Sydneysiders to consider buying such sustainable and great-tasting products in time for Christmas.
