Recently, the Ashtar Tours team joined an insightful fam trip to Kerak, organized by the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA). This initiative offered us an up-close experience of Kerak’s agritourism potential and allowed us to engage with the local community, farmers, and artisans. From fascinating stories to hands-on activities, the journey deepened our understanding of agritourism products that we plan to incorporate into our tours, providing our guests with a richer and more authentic Jordanian experience.
A Warm Welcome from a Prominent Kerak Family
Our trip began with a warm welcome from a prominent family in Kerak. We immersed ourselves in their daily life, listening to stories passed down through generations and interacting with the family’s livestock. This encounter not only introduced us to the local way of life but also offered a genuine connection with Kerak’s history and traditions.
The Art of Making White Goat Cheese
Next, we visited another family that welcomed us into their cheese-making routine. Here, we had the chance to learn the art of creating white goat cheese, a Kerak specialty. This experience highlighted the skill and dedication that go into crafting traditional Jordanian products, giving us a new appreciation for the simple yet profound art of local food production.
Learning the Secrets of Jameed at Bait Al Jameed
A highlight of the day was visiting Bait Al Jameed, a local enterprise run by five inspiring women who are experts in making jameed, the essential ingredient in Jordan’s iconic Mansaf dish. Watching the process of turning milk into jameed was fascinating, and of course, we couldn’t leave without enjoying Mansaf together—a dish that embodies the spirit of Jordanian hospitality and community. Mansaf, with its tender lamb, tangy jameed sauce, and layered rice, was a feast for the senses and a taste of Kerak’s culinary heritage.
Culinary Delights and Traditions at Safi Kitchen
Our journey continued to Safi Kitchen, a community-run venue in Ghor Al Safi known for its diverse offerings. We savored Lazaggeyyat, a local dessert featuring slightly thick bread spread with Arabic ghee and sweetened with honey or sugar—a delightful combination of flavors. This traditional treat, called Fateer in some regions, provided a unique taste of local sweetness.
Sunset Vegetable Picking: A Memorable End to the Day
The experience then took us into the fields, where we participated in a vegetable-picking activity. Sunset added a touch of magic as we gathered fresh eggplants from the fields, connecting us even more to the land and the hands that tend it.
Bringing Agritourism Experiences to Our Guests
The trip to Kerak was both educational and heartwarming, revealing the passion of the local community and the richness of agritourism in the region. We left with a deeper understanding of Kerak’s culture and products, eager to integrate these experiences into our tours. We’re excited to bring our guests on this journey, allowing them to connect with Jordan’s agricultural heritage and the wonderful people who keep these traditions alive.
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