Western Flavors
A culinary excursion in the western Negev
The Western Negev is a region of many colors. In the winter red flowers cover the rolling hills. In the spring the endless fields turn green, and as the wheat ripens towards the summer – golden brown takes over. In the fall, after the harvest and before the first rains- the dark soil reveals itself. Seeing these colors, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that this region is Israel’s breadbasket (and fruit bowl). In the early days of their existence, in the 1950s and 60s, the farming communities of the western Negev- Kibbutz and Moshav alike, have developed their own local diet, based, quite simply, on what they grew. These menus of necessity have since become the basis for proud culinary traditions, carried on by local businesses. You might need help translating the stories, but the flavors and aromas speak loud and clear.
- Where?
The western Negev along HW 232 and 35
- Who?
If you like discovering new old flavors and the stories behind them- this trip is for you
- When?
Possible year round. Best during the month of Febuary
- How long?
Approximately 5-6 hours including tastings
* It is recommended to contact the businesses before arrival in order to make a reservation
Breakfast - Tze’ela Farm
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, they say, and since you’re in Isarel- an Israeli breakfast is in order. For that- there really is only one place. The Tze’ela farm is one of the largest single-family farms in the whole Negev. The farm is home to a large herd of sheep, and also produces excellent cheese, of several different types. The small coffee shop in the farm doubles up as a storefront for the cheeses, and is famous for its breakfasts. On weekdays the coffee shop operates on reservations only.
The Salad Trail
Ever wondered how cherry tomatoes were developed? Ever asked yourself how drip irrigation works? How can you grow winter vegetables in the summer, and why strawberries hang? Look no further- you have come to the right place. The Salad trail is a farming adventure where Israeli agriculture is presented in the most entertaining, interesting and appetizing ways- right inside the greenhouses of a real farming community. Most importantly- every fruit, vegetable and herb are ready to be picked and sampled right out of the ground. Tours leave hourly, but it is important to reserve a spot ahead of time for a tour in English.
Ein HaShlosha Winery - Hill 112
About Half an hour north of Talmei Yosef and the Salad trail, is Kibbutz Ein Hashlosha. In 2010, members of the community decided to start a community vineyard and community winery, which would produce quality wine through the volunteered labor of the community members. The families of the community would, in turn, enjoy wine of their own making. In 2014, after successfully producing wine, some of the volunteers started experimenting with a brewery, and SABRESA was born. Today you can taste the excellent products of the combined brewery and winery in the old barn-turned-hanger-turned-gym-turned-brewing/winemaking laboratory that houses the assemblage of barrels, bottles, tools, piled chairs and unidentified distilling apparatuses which give this place it’s avantgarde feel.
Continuing on north, half an hour of a drive will bring you to Moshav Sharsheret and Chef Roded’s doorstep. Roded has been all around the Israeli restaurant industry since he was a teenager, and finally settled back in his childhood community where he started hosting cooking seminars and culinary events. A visit to Chef Roded is no free meal. Get ready to fold your sleeves up, grab a peeler, a knife or a bowl and under the instruction of the chef- you will take part in preparing amazing staple dishes from local ingredients grown on his land or in the nearby region.
To top off any meal, Roded also makes his own wine. Strong cabs and full bodied blends of Merlot and Shiraz. These well defined wines are a great companion to the rich feasts you prepare (and eat) at Roded’s tables.
What’s for dessert?
You won’t leave Chef Roded wanting, but if you still want to grab a few new flavors for the road, tailored tasting tours in the town of Netivot will help you find the traditional sweets served in traditional homes in the town, and meet locals who will happily share stories and culinary secrets.