Ancient Baking Culture In The Land of The World's Oldest Bread

Going Places

In this episode of "Going Places," I'm sharing a very special story I wrote for Conde Nast Traveler this summer called In the Land of the World's Oldest Bread, A Return to an Ancient Baking Culture.

We'll journey together to the heart of Jordan, where baking is not just about sustenance but a profound cultural legacy. Join me as we explore how bread is intricately woven into the fabric of Jordan's community life, from traditional dishes gracing UNESCO's heritage list to the philosophy of Al Barakah that binds individuals to each other and the land. We'll also look at the challenges local wheat varieties face and the passionate efforts of people looking to revive Jordan's connection to its ancestral crops. So, come along on this journey as we explore a story of history, community, and the enduring spirit of Jordan through its breadmaking.

This episode and the entire season is brought to you by Visit Jordan. Be sure to visit myjordanjourney.com to learn more about Jordan.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Journey to Jordan to explore its bread-making culture
• Description of arboud’s simple ingredients and baking process
• Jordan’s history as part of the Fertile Crescent and its agricultural significance
• Discovery of the world's oldest known bread in Jordan’s Black Desert
• Impact of this discovery on understanding human history regarding baking and farming
• Description of Jordan's native baladi wheat and its influence on culinary traditions
• Various traditional Jordanian dishes that incorporate bread
• The shift from local baladi wheat farming to imported refined flour in the 1970s
• Efforts by Al Barakeh Wheat Collective to restore Jordanians' connection to native wheat
• Other organizations' efforts to revive ancient wheat and traditional recipes
• The concept of Al Barakeh and its cultural importance in Jordan

Featured on the show:

• In the Land of the World's Oldest Bread, a Return to an Ancient Baking Culture

Summer reading series:

• Robb Report: Inside Hotelito, A Luxe Hideaway on Mexico's Guerrero Coast
• AFAR: In Jordan, Skip the Bubble & Go Here Instead
• Vogue: An Unexpected Cultural Hotspot in the Alps
• BBC Travel: Mongolia’s epic celebration at -40C
• AFAR: The Untold Story of Turkey's Iznik Tiles
• CN Traveler: Seeking Silence In Wadi Rum
• Toronto Star: A Lens On The World
• AFAR: In Barcelona for Vacation and Fertility Treatment

Get more information at:

Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com.

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Going Places with Yulia Denisyuk is a show that sparks a better understanding of people and places near and far by fostering a space for real conversations to occur. Each week, we sit down with travelers, journalists, creators, and people living and working in destinations around the world. Hosted by Yulia Denisyuk, an award-winning travel journalist, photographer, and writer who's worked with National Geographic, The New York Times, BBC Travel, and more.

Learn more about our show at goingplacesmedia.com.

Our theme music this season, Abbad El Shams, is provided by Rawan Roshni, a Palestinian/Balkan singer based in Jordan.