Honey, or ‘assal’ in Arabic has been used in Emirati cooking since it was harvested from wild bee hives in the mountains of Hatta and Fujairah. There is even a honey festival every year for local beekeepers which shows how popular it continues to be today.
Al Nuaimi, a local beekeeper, says, “Honey has always been around in the United Arab Emirates and other parts of Arabia. It was collected by the different tribes, from the mountainous honey, to those from caves to those gathered in the valley, and there is even honey from the desert,”
Yemeni honey from the Sidr tree is one of the most sought after raw honeys in the region due to its purity, healing properties and its deep amber colour and viscosity. This rich, complex high quality raw honey is extremely popular in Emirati households and makes a perfect gift when invited into an Emirati home.
There is a love of sweet things and flour, dates, spices and honey are essential ingredients to most households, many families having their own recipes passed down through generations. You will find raw honey taken on its own or used in a variety of ways at meal times throughout the day. Raw honey eaten with Arabic bread at breakfast time or with Khameer, a bread baked over a fire, made of light dough containing curcuma and saffron. A bread, served as a dessert, is Al-Jabab, similar to a pancake and drenched in the flavours of rosewater, cardamom and honey and typical of ingredients used in Emirati cuisine.
Emirati Food Influences
Emirati food stems from the Bedouin were once tribes foraged and hunted in the dry arid desert and fisherman cast their nets to the seas of the Arabian Gulf. The nomadic way of life and harsh living conditions meant finding sustenance from what was available. The Bedouin kept goats, and birds of prey, such as falcons, were used for hunting. Dhows sailed between the UAE and India where pearls were sold and spices and rice traded which is why you will find Indian, Persian and Levant influences in Emirati dishes.
Savoury Dishes
Harees is like a porridge with meat, maleh is a salted fish dish and margooga, a stew mixed with a soft bread dough. Ghouzy, is grilled or steamed lamb, goat or camel (on special occasions) served with rice at lunchtimes, an important mealtime where the family get together. Emiratis love rice and you will find different versions from biryani style to jasmine and Egyptian.
Emirati Herbs and Spices
What captures the essence of Emirati cuisine is Bzar, a spice mixture made up of chilies, coriander, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, star of anis, garlic, fenugreek, ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, fennel and sometimes dried mountain mushrooms or truffle (though rare, they are out there). The exact blend and ingredients varies from family to family. The mixture is used for meat, poultry, bread and rice dishes and you can buy bzar in the local souqs or markets.
Emirati Food Rituals & Culture
Respect and etiquette is of utmost importance in Emirati culture as is the sharing of food and showing of hospitality. The consumption of camel meat was, and still is, reserved for special occasions. The camel is a revered animal for, historically, it was the only means of transportation in the desert and its highly nutritious milk is seen as a gift from which butter, laban or buttermilk is made. Another national treasure is the Ghaf tree which is the national tree of the UAE. Its leaves were chopped and sprinkled with lime juice and eaten raw or added to stews, like a bay leaf it draws out flavour during a slow cooking process.
Showing generous hospitality is a priority and to be invited into an Emirati home is a special event. When the host or hostess receives guests it is referred to as the ‘fualah’ ritual and involves offering fruits, desserts with honey, Arabic coffee, perfumes and incense. Traditionally, fualah is offered between main meals in the morning or the afternoon, as well as on special occasions.
Three sweets or desserts served as Fualah
- Khabeesa - toasted flour crumbs mixed with sugar, saffron and cardamom
- Batheetha - semolina with pureed dates mixed with cardamom and Emirati clarified butter or ghee.
- Farni - a rice pudding
These can all be served with raw honey.
Dates & Honey
Raw honey and dates are a large and significant part of Middle Eastern culture and tradition and, for Muslims, dates are extremely beneficial for breaking fast during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Both dates and honey are beneficial for sustaining energy and are packed with vitamins and nutrients. The date palm is one of the oldest fruit crops going back at least 5000 years grown originally in desert environments like the Arabian Peninsula. Emiratis make their own version of yeast by fermenting dates under the sun and using it as a rising agent for some of their breads. Thareed, a meat stew layered with Rgaag, (a paper thin bread) and sweet dates are a natural symbol of hospitality. Medjool dates plain or filled with nuts and candied fruit are a traditional gift during special occasions as is a platter of dates, dried fruits like apricots and figs with almonds, walnuts and pistachios.
Zhora Quereshi of Zo’s Kitchen recommends
Zhora knows a thing or two about baking and Emirati culture. She runs her bakery out of a purpose built kitchen in Ajman in the UAE delivering home baked cakes to order for many locals and expats in the UAE. Her favourite Emirati desserts are:
Lgaimat or luqaimat– meaning ‘bite sized’ in Arabic, are a crispy doughnut on the inside and out and soaked in honey or date syrup with a soft doughy centre. Made with flour and yeast, they are sprinkled with sesame seeds, flavoured with cardamom and saffron and are often served before the main desserts.
Chbaab - a pancake served traditionally at breakfast with honey or date syrup and cream cheese, laban, buttermilk or tea and honey.
And then there is, Honey Cake
Honey cake which is a favourite among Emiratis and popular during Eid, it is a soft cake in texture made with piles of thin rounds which are stacked one above the other like a tower with fresh cream layered in between with pure honey.
At the end of a meal, it is customary to be served Emirati coffee or red tea infused with mint, this aids the digestion process or Karak which is a tea boiled with spices and condensed milk.
Coffee is served at gatherings by pouring from a dallah, a traditional coffee pot, when the ritual of ‘burning mouth’ takes place as you sip or slurp the hot drink and suck in the air. Date pits from the date palm tree are traditionally used, dried and roasted and mixed with cardamom on a low fire makes for a strong tasting Emirati coffee. When ground ginger is added it makes a gahwa or what we know as Arabic coffee. A spoon of raw honey added to your coffee or tea is a natural sweetener and adds a delicious flavour.
2 thoughts on “Raw Honey and Traditional Emirati Cooking”
Hollisfieby
Balanset-1A: The Ultimate Rotor Balancing DeviceWatch YouTube Short
In the realm of mechanical engineering, precision is paramount, especially when it comes to balancing rotors. The Balanset-1A is a state-of-the-art device designed for accurate rotor balancing and vibration analysis, making it an essential tool for industries involving crushers, fans, centrifuges, turbines, and more.
Key Features of Balanset-1AThe Balanset-1A is a two-channel device that provides a comprehensive suite of functionalities for both balancing and vibration analysis. Its features include:
Vibrometer Mode: This mode offers a tachometer for measuring RPM, phase analysis of vibration signals, fundamental frequency measurement, FFT spectrum analysis, and overall vibration monitoring. It also includes a measurement log for data storage. Balancing Mode: Users can perform single and two-plane balancing, visualize unbalance via polar graphs, restore previous sessions, and utilize a tolerance calculator in line with ISO 1940 standards. Compact and Portable DesignOne of the standout features of the Balanset-1A is its compactness and portability. Housed in a sturdy case, this device can be easily transported to job sites, making it ideal for fieldwork and on-site inspections. Whether you’re balancing rotors in manufacturing plants or agricultural settings, the Balanset-1A is designed for mobility.
User-Friendly SoftwareThe Balanset-1A connects seamlessly to a laptop, featuring intuitive software that guides users through the setup and balancing processes. The program offers step-by-step instructions, allowing even novices to accurately calculate corrective weights and their installation angles with ease.
Precision MeasurementsAccuracy is crucial when dealing with rotor balancing. The Balanset-1A provides phase measurements with an accuracy of В±1В° and vibration readings within В±5%. This high precision ensures optimal performance for various applications, from fan balancing to industrial machinery rotor adjustments.
Versatile FunctionalityThis multi-functional device serves as both a vibrometer and a balancing tool. In vibrometer mode, users can monitor overall vibration levels and analyze harmonic frequencies to gain insight into mechanical health. In balancing mode, users can calculate mass and angles for corrective weights in one or two planes, depending on the rotor’s design.
Learning Made EasyEven individuals with minimal knowledge of vibration diagnostics can quickly master the Balanset-1A. The simplified interface and data archiving features allow users to track results and learn from past balancing sessions, making it an excellent educational tool.
Ideal for Serial Production BalancingThe Balanset-1A is perfectly suited for serial production environments where regular balancing of identical rotors is required. Its ability to save and utilize data from previous sessions streamlines the balancing process, reducing time and labor costs significantly.
Reliable and Cost-EffectiveWith a competitive price point compared to similar devices on the market, the Balanset-1A offers exceptional value for both large manufacturers and small workshops. Backed by a one-year warranty and reliable technical support, users can trust in the device’s durability and effectiveness in improving product quality.
ConclusionIn conclusion, the Balanset-1A stands out as a premier rotor balancing solution. Its compact design, user-friendly software, and high accuracy make it an indispensable tool for various industries. Whether you are balancing a simple fan or complex industrial machinery, the Balanset-1A is equipped to meet your needs efficiently and effectively. Invest in the Balanset-1A today to enhance your operational reliability and performance.
Contact Information:
For more information about our Balanset balancing devices and other products, please visit our website: https://vibromera.eu.
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Jeremyfax
pump balancing
Pump balancing is an essential procedure for ensuring the optimal operation of hydraulic pumps, which play a critical role in various systems across both household and industrial applications. Imbalance in pumps can lead to a range of issues, including excessive vibration, noise, reduced efficiency, and accelerated wear of components. Understanding the nature of pump imbalance, its causes, and the potential solutions is vital for maintaining the performance and longevity of hydraulic systems.
What is pump imbalance? It refers to a condition where the mass of rotating components, such as the impeller and shaft, is unevenly distributed in relation to the axis of rotation. This discrepancy generates centrifugal forces that manifests as vibrations during pump operation. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance:
Manufacturing inaccuracies: Even minute deviations in the design or construction of components can cause imbalances. Wear and damage: Over time, components can deteriorate due to factors like corrosion, cavitation, or mechanical damage, altering the mass distribution and resulting in imbalance. Incorrect assembly or repairs: Improper installation or inadequate repairs of the impeller or other components can also lead to significant imbalances.The implications of pump imbalance are substantial. Increased noise and vibration can not only create discomfort for operators but can also inflict damage on the pump itself, along with associated piping and system components. Additionally, vibration puts excess strain on bearings and seals, leading to premature wear and eventual failure. Operational efficiency is negatively impacted; an imbalanced pump tends to consume more energy and operates less effectively. In extreme instances, severe imbalances can trigger catastrophic failures, such as shaft breakage or impeller destruction.
The solution to pump imbalance lies in the process of pump balancing, which aims to rectify the unequal mass distribution by adding or removing corrective weights from the impeller or shaft. This adjustment effectively mitigates vibrations and noise, enhances operational efficiency, and prolongs the lifespan of the pump.
Pump balancing can be conducted in specialized facilities equipped with balancing machines or executed on-site using portable equipment such as the “Balanset-1A” balancer and vibration analyzer. On-site balancing boasts multiple advantages:
Time and cost efficiency, avoiding the need for disassembly and reassembly of the pump. Minimized downtime of equipment, allowing for quicker interventions at the first signs of vibration. High accuracy in balancing results, ensuring effective correction of imbalances.The detailed steps involved in using the Balanset-1A for pump balancing include:
Preparation: Attach vibration sensors near the pump bearings, ensuring they are set perpendicular to the shaft’s rotation axis. Place a reflective marker on the pump shaft or pulley, connecting it to the Balanset-1A device linked to a laptop. Initial Measurement: Select the single-plane balancing mode in the software, weigh the calibration weight, and input its weight and installation radius. Start the pump and capture the initial vibration level. Installing the Test Weight: Randomly install the calibration weight on the impeller, restart the pump, and measure vibration changes while aiming for at least a 20% difference. Data Analysis: Use the recorded data to identify the corrective weight and its appropriate installation location for balancing. Installing the Corrective Weight: Mount the corrective weight on the specified impeller location using suitable methods such as welding or clamping. Verification: Re-measure vibration levels post-corrective weight installation to ensure compliance with acceptable standards; further adjustments may be required.The Balanset-1A stands out as a preferred choice for portable pump balancing tasks due to its numerous advantages:
Ease of Use: The device is straightforward, making it accessible even for individuals without extensive background in vibration analysis. Portability: Its lightweight, compact design facilitates easy transportation for on-site operations. High Accuracy: It guarantees precise measurements, contributing to quality balancing. Multifunctionality: Besides balancing, it also functions effectively as a vibration analyzer and diagnostic tool. Cost-Effectiveness: With its reasonable pricing, the Balanset-1A allows users to access professional balancing services affordably.In addition to the immediate benefits of proper pump balancing, such as enhanced efficiency and reduced operational costs, the long-term advantages include decreased maintenance expense, extended equipment lifespan, and improved working conditions for personnel. On-site pump balancing solutions can significantly reduce the need for extensive repair procedures, saving both time and financial resources.
Implementing regular pump balancing is critical, especially following heavy use, repairs, or any signs of imbalance like increased noise and vibrations. Routine checks help maintain pumps in optimal condition and avert costly breakdowns. Key recommendations while using the Balanset-1A include securing proper installation of vibration sensors, accurate measurement of weights, adherence to safety protocols, and scheduling regular balancing checks to prevent imbalances from developing.
In conclusion, pump balancing is not merely a minor aspect of pump maintenance but a crucial necessity that facilitates effective, reliable, and durable operation of hydraulic systems. The portable Balanset-1A balancer and vibration analyzer offers a premium solution for balancing a variety of pump types in their operational environment. Prioritizing pump balancing ensures improved system performance, reliability, and safety. Take proactive measures today to enhance your equipment’s functionality by integrating regular balancing practices.