The Israeli and Morrocan types are the most common in the United States. Morrocan couscous is the smallest type and takes the least time to cook. However, the Lebanese type takes the longest to cook because of its large size.

Origin of couscous

The general belief is that domesticated wheat originated from Egypt’s Nile valley and the Middle East around 9600 BC. At the time, humans began to look for a type of grain that was free-threshing, which likely gave birth to durum wheat in 7000 BC. It was evident that humans were trying to make different types of food from wheat. In 6000 BC, the earliest evidence of milling was found. The precise date of the invention of this dish remains unknown, although this date is not likely any earlier than 6000 BC.

Lucie Bolens, an author, estimated in her book that the nomadic people of Northwest Africa (Berber people) were making couscous as early as 238 BC. Another theory claims that this food first appeared in Sicily in the 9th century when the island was under Muslim rule. Other people believe that this dish spread from the Middle East to North Africa. There are many proposed theories of this dish’s origin; however, almost everyone seems to agree on two things. The food is of Berber origin, and it first appeared in Moorish Spanish cookbooks in the 1300s.

Functions

Couscous can serve several functions in the kitchen, because of its versatility and taste. This food can be mixed with vegetables like garlic, onions, and carrots. It can also serve as an ingredient in salads, soups, and sauces. This food can even be combined with flour and used in baked goods like muffins.

Nutrition

In one cup (157g) of cooked couscous, there are:

Couscous can provide some health benefits, which include:

• It is a plant-based protein source, which generates amino acids used in metabolic processes in the body.
• Couscous might be able to lower your risk of heart disease.
• This food supplies selenium, which is an antioxidant that reduces inflammation and repairs damaged body cells.

However, this food may have some side effects. People with gluten intolerance will not be able to consume it. Also, individuals who have diabetes should eat this food in moderate quantities.

Commercial production

The commercial production of couscous can be summarized in the steps below:

• Grinding of the durum wheat
• Moisturizing of the semolina
• The shaping of the semolina dough
• Steaming 
• Cutting
• Drying
• Cooling
• Sorting
• Packing

The global wheat flour market rose at a rate of about 1.2% between 2015 and 2019. The industry had a production volume of 407 million tons in 2019. This value is expected to hit 442 million tons by 2025. The European Union was the world’s biggest wheat manufacturer in the 2019-2020 marketing year. The EU produced about 153.5 million metric tons of wheat.

Application

Here are some tips to help you while preparing this food:

• This food is best served at room temperature, as it clumps when it cools down.
• Use a fork or your fingers to fluff this dish to prevent the formation of lumps.
• Don’t simply use plain water for cooking this food. Infuse the water with garlic, onion, or ginger for added flavor.

This food can last for a few hours at room temperature and three days in the fridge.

Couscous recipes

This dish is mixed with other ingredients like meat, fish, and salad to improve its taste. Here are some popular recipes to try:

• Moroccan Spiced Vegetable Couscous
• Sicilian-style Fish Stew
• Mediterranean Couscous Salad
• Israeli Couscous Salad with Feta, Chickpeas, and Herbs
• Frog Eye Salad

FDA regulation

The Food and Drug Administration does not mention couscous in any of its regulations. However, the organization has a standard of identity for semolina, a core ingredient in making this dish. Semolina is defined as the food prepared by grinding and bolting cleaned durum wheat to meet a particular standard. Its moisture content should not be above 15%.

References

Gavin, Jessica. “What Is Couscous? Nutrition and Varieties.” Jessica Gavin, Jessica Gavin, 24 Mar. 2020, www.jessicagavin.com/what-is-couscous/. 

Goodson, Amy. “Is Couscous Healthy? Top 5 Health and Nutrition Benefits.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 4 June 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/couscous-benefits. 

“CFR – Code of Federal Regulations Title 21.” accessdata.fda.gov, US Food & Drug Administration, 1 Apr. 2019, www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=137.320.