Unique Fruits and Vegetables Grown in Israel Terrain

In a land as diverse as Israel, it's no surprise that the fruits and vegetables grown there are just as unique. From the bright and bold flavors of pomegranates to the earthy taste of olives, the produce in Israel is unlike anything you'll find anywhere else in the world.

And while you can find many of these edibles at your local grocery store, there's nothing like experiencing them in their natural habitat. To get an authentic taste of Israel, you need to try these seven fruits and vegetables that are unique to the country.

Tomatoes

One of Israel's most famous exports is its tomatoes and cherry tomatoes. The country's Mediterranean climate is perfect for growing the fruit, and Israeli tomatoes are known for their sweetness and juiciness. Cherry tomatoes were actually invented in Israel.

The fruits are an integral ingredient of the famous classic Israeli salad. You can check a simple recipe here. People also use them in sandwiches and eat them as a side dish like matbucha and shakshuka.

Eggplants

One of the most popular vegetable varieties is eggplant, used in dishes such as baba ghanoush and moussaka. Israeli people, especially vegetarians, use it as a meat substitute.

Eggplants are used in salads, stews, and soups. They are also popular for fusion dishes, including Italian rollatini, French ratatouille, and Turkish karniyarik.

Oranges

Oranges were first introduced to Israel in the 15th century. Today, the country is one of the leading providers of citrus fruits, including oranges, to the EU. The most popular variety is the Jaffa orange—a sweet, almost seedless fruit with a deep orange color.

Israelis use oranges for various food and drinks, including salad items, orange chicken, smoothies, and soups.

Grapes

Several grape varieties are found in Israel, and kosher grape juice is a trendy drink in the country. People consume it as a fruit, use it in dessert items, and brew fine-quality wine.

Another classic culinary preparation in the whole Middle Easter region is stuffed grape leaves.

Pomegranates

Pomegranates are a staple of Israeli cuisine, used in dishes ranging from juices and cocktails to salads and desserts. The bright red fruit adds color and flavor to many dishes, including hummus, tabbouleh, and baba ghanoush.

Olives

Both olives and olive oil are common ingredients in Israeli dishes. They increase the taste of salads, pasta dishes, and pizzas. You can find olives in traditional Israeli bread items, such as pita and challah.

Dates

Another famous Israeli fruit is the date. Date trees grow in the country's arid desert climate, and dried dates are a popular snack. The fruit is also used in various desserts, such as baklava, halva, cookies, and bars.

Yad Ezra V'Shulamit works to supply various fruits and vegetables to Israel's needy families. Every week, we collect these products from local farmers and distribute them to people who cannot afford them.