Madinah’s distinctive culinary and agricultural heritage is receiving international recognition after 35 local products from the region were included in the “Ark of Taste,” a global initiative dedicated to protecting traditional foods and culinary heritage.
The Culinary Arts Commission documented the Madinah products as part of a wider collection of 180 Saudi food products featured on the international list.
The recognition highlights the diversity of traditional foods found across the Kingdom and draws attention to ingredients, farming practices and food traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The “Ark of Taste” was established by the Slow Food Foundation to identify and safeguard traditional food products that are closely connected to local communities, cultures and ecosystems.
The initiative aims to protect culinary traditions, support small-scale and local producers, preserve biodiversity and prevent unique food products from disappearing.
Among the products from Madinah featured on the list are Al-Ais wheat, Barni dates, Hasawi mint, mountain honey, hummus, shurek bread, cabbage and jujube, locally known as Nabq.
These products reflect the region’s agricultural environment and the long-standing relationship between local communities and the land.
The inclusion of these foods on an international heritage list provides greater visibility for Madinah’s traditional produce while helping document the knowledge and practices associated with their cultivation and preparation.
The recognition also underlines the importance of preserving traditional food systems as part of cultural heritage.
By documenting local products and supporting their continued appreciation, initiatives such as the Ark of Taste can help ensure that Madinah’s unique culinary identity remains accessible to future generations.
