Have you ever been curious about what foods people ate in Biblical times? It turns out that a lot of foods that were eaten back then are still eaten today!
Here is a list of some foods that were popular back when the Bible took place and are still popular today! The next time you eat one of these foods, you might feel an ancient and holy connection.
Fish
Fish is eaten extremely often in modern times. Many people love their seafood. Fish can be eaten in a variety of ways, from fried fish (and chips) to sushi to fish tacos.
One of the oldest symbols for Christianity is a fish. So many Bible stories mention fish and it was a staple food in the Biblical diet. Perhaps most notably, Jesus’s disciples Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John were all fishermen.
Wheat and Bread
Bread is an essential part of many modern diets, from morning toast to garlic bread with dinner. Bread is, of course, not the only thing that is made from wheat. Wheat is found in so many dishes, including pasta, crackers, cereal, most baked goods, and many other staple foods.
Wheat and bread are mentioned countless times in the Bible. With wine, bread is notably part of the Holy Communion ceremony. It even shows up in the Lord’s Pray (or “Our Father”), in the line “give us this day our daily bread,” acting as a word to encompass food as a whole.
Olives and Olive Oil
Olive oil is often a staple in modern cooking. Many modern Mediterranean dishes use olives. Olives have many health benefits, including healthy fat and fiber for your diet. Additionally, olives may improve heart health.
Famously, at the end of the Noah’s Ark story, a dove carries an olive branch in its beak. In the Bible, olive trees are a symbol of peace.
Grapes and Wine
Grapes are a delicious fruit. Table grapes can be eaten as a snack by themselves or in a fruit salad. Some grapes are juiced for a pleasant drink. Of course, some grapes are turned into a variety of different wines, too.
Wine tended to be the drink of choice in ancient Biblical times. Specifically, wine is very associated with Jesus. Jesus as a young man turned water into wine for a wedding. In Communion, Christians believe that blessed wine becomes the spiritual blood of Christ.
Figs
Figs are sweet purple-colored fruits. In modern day, you probably know them best from Fig Newtons. They are also popular in upscale desserts and as a trendy snack.
Fig trees are among some of the oldest cultivated plants. They were an ancient agricultural phenomenon. Fig trees in the bible represent prosperity.
Honey
Honey is a sweet product from bees. It can be added to modern dishes to add a bit of sweetness. People will often drizzle it over pancakes or yogurt, add it into their tea, and may even use it as a skincare product ingredient.
Before refined sugar, honey was the sweetener of choice. The Bible describes the Promised Land as a place “flowing with milk and honey.” Delicious!
Lamb
Lamb is not the most popular meat in modern times, but many still enjoy it. Lamb can be found at barbecues, in some burgers, and in gourmet dishes.
In Christian teachings, it is very common for Jesus to be portrayed as a metaphorical shepherd who guides his sheep. Lamb was important to Biblical times, both as meat and for religious purposes. It was often used as part of a religious sacrifice and was also a part of traditional sacred meals.
Dates
Dates are a sticky and sweet fruit. You may have had them in a baked good, like date nut loaf. In modern times, they are commonly found in energy bars. Dates have many nutritional benefits; for example, they are high in fiber and antioxidants.
Dates are traditionally grown in the Middle East and North Africa, where most of the events of the Bible occur. In Biblical times, they were very valuable, especially for merchants and travelers.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a cooking staple in modern times. It has a tangy kick to it that is very versatile. It can often be found in dressings and marinades.
In Biblical times, vinegar was often used (like salt) to preserve food. It was also present in ancient cooking to give its signature kick.
Pomegranates
Even modern people can agree that eating a pomegranate is basically a spiritual experience. They are a perfect mix of tart and sweet. The deep pinkish-red arils are both beautiful and delicious. Many people drink pomegranate juice and grenadine is actually supposed to be pomegranate-flavored.
In the Bible, pomegranates often symbolize fertility. Additionally, some Bible theologians believe that the fruit that Eve ate in the Garden of Eden was actually a pomegranate.
Mustard
From classic yellow to spicy brown to dijon, there are a variety of mustards for a variety of uses. Although they taste different, all of these condiments have something in common: they utilize the mustard seed.
In the Bible, Jesus often explains concepts by speaking in parables. One such very well-known parable is about a tiny mustard seed. With this story, Jesus teaches his followers that something small can end up having a large impact.
Leeks
Leeks are basically a mild onion; they are not too strong, but are full of delicious flavor. They can be found in a variety of modern dishes, like soup, stir-fry, and salads.
In the Bible, leeks are mentioned when the Israelites reminisce about the Egyptian feasts they once experienced. Leeks were used as an ingredient to embellish Biblical foods, too!
Salt
Salt is essential for cooking. In modern times, salt helps to bring out flavors and is present in almost every single dish. Salty snacks like potato chips and pretzels are popular.
In Biblical times, salt was often used for preservation. Many meats were salted so they lasted longer. Occasionally, it could also be used for bartering as a currency device. Of course, ancient people also used salt to season their meals.
Barley and Rye
Barley and Rye are two cereal grains that are not as popular as wheat, but still important to modern diets. You can often find barley in salads and health bowls. Rye bread has a rich and hearty flavor and is popular in sandwich shops and delis.
Barley and rye were grown in the Middle East in Biblical times. Barley in particular is often called an ancient grain and was used in many ancient dishes.
It turns out that modern diets may not be all that different from Biblical ones after all!
