Tag: Ancient egypt

For centuries, the brilliant ruby-red hibiscus beverage known as karkade has been an integral part of Egyptian life. This sweet and tart herbal tea, enjoyed both hot and cold, is not merely a refreshing drink but a potent symbol of hospitality, health, and tradition deeply woven into the fabric of Egyptian culture.

Recent isotopic analysis of mummies has revealed that the average ancient Egyptian diet was primarily plant-based, but this does not tell the full story of whether they were truly 'vegan' in the modern sense. The answer is more complex, involving social class, religious beliefs, and the simple availability of resources.

Over 4,000 years ago, ancient Mesopotamians were already documenting recipes for sweet confections. What is the world's first best dessert, however, is a question that's impossible to answer definitively, as both 'first' and 'best' are subject to a surprising amount of debate.

Although the term 'vegan' was only coined in 1944, evidence of people choosing to avoid all animal products can be traced back over 2,000 years to ancient Indian and Mediterranean societies. This practice was often motivated by philosophical and spiritual beliefs that championed non-violence and ethical living.