Most Americans only have a vague notion of which countries make up the Middle East

Let alone what type of cuisine makes up Middle Eastern food - which may leave a lot of people asking, What is Middle Eastern food? Middle Eastern cuisine is derived from the countries that make up the region, including Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Syria, and Turkey, to name just a few. The foods commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine include lean meats such as lamb and fish; lentils, chickpeas and other legumes; whole grain rice and couscous; olives and olive oil; nuts and seeds; low fat cheeses and yogurt; and a wide variety of seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices, all of which contribute to a balanced diet that is full of flavor. Many of the dishes at Pita Jungle, a health food restaurant in Arizona and Southern California, are inspired by the cuisine of the Middle East to help customers eat a healthy, balanced diet without sacrificing taste.

The beauty of the cuisine of this region is its variety. The Middle Eastern Community  is situated along the historic Silk Road, a 7,000 mile route that stretched from China into Iran, Iraq and Syria before reaching the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. This route was used by merchants to trade goods such as silk and other textiles, dyes, jewelry, pottery and many other luxury items - including spices. Their location on the Silk Road allowed the residents of Middle Eastern countries to incorporate many exotic spices into their cuisine. The result are dishes made with a wide variety of spices in combinations that are simply not found in other types of cuisine.

Some of the most popular types of Middle Eastern foods in the west include hummus, babe galosh, falafel, tubule, think, and, of course, pita bread. In fact, in most of these Eastern countries, pita bread is served at nearly every meal. A highly versatile staple of the cuisine indigenous to the region, pita bread can be served warm or cold, be stuffed as a sandwich or dipped into sauces, and is an essential part of this kind of cooking.

What is Middle Eastern food? It is a balanced blend of whole foods, fresh herbs and exotic spices that are combined to create flavorful, nutritious dishes that have nourished the people of the region for centuries. Pita Jungle offers a wide selection of healthy Middle Eastern menu items that are sure to scintillate your palate. Find a Pita Jungle near you today to sample different types of foods and discover  The Art of Eating Healthy.