Halas (food) facts for kids
Halas (Arabic: حلص, romanized: Ḥlṣ) is a special traditional food from Yemen. It is made from the leaves of a plant called halaṣ. People in Yemen often eat Halas when there isn't much other food available, especially during dry periods or when food is scarce.
The halaṣ leaves are naturally very bitter. To make them edible, they are boiled in water for a long time until the bitter taste is completely gone. After boiling, the leaves are usually mixed with a traditional Yemeni buttermilk called ḥaqin. This helps to make the dish more complete and tasty.
Sometimes, Halas is confused with another plant called halqa or ghulaf (Cyphostemma digitatum). This plant also grows in Yemen and has leaves that look a bit like grape leaves. Halqa is roasted and dried, then used as a spice with meat. It is also used in traditional Yemeni medicine.
What Does the Name "Halas" Mean?
The name Ḥalaṣ has a long history in Yemen. You can find it mentioned in old Yemeni poems and sayings. These sayings often show how important this food has been during difficult times.
For example, one saying goes:
- "جاع القوم حتى اكلو الحلص"*
This means: "People starved until they ate Ḥalaṣ." This shows that Halas was eaten when people were very hungry and had no other options.
Another saying is:
- "والله لو اكلت الحلص ما تركت هذا الامر"*
This means: "Even if I ate Ḥalaṣ, I will not give up this matter." This proverb shows that eating Halas was seen as a sign of extreme hardship, and someone saying this means they are determined, even if they face the worst difficulties.
A Yemeni historian and poet named Mutahar al-Iryani believes the word Ḥalaṣ comes from an even older word, Ḥalaḏ̣ (ḥlẓ). This ancient word was found in old Yemeni writings and meant to suffer from hunger, sickness, or pain. This suggests that the name of the food is linked to times of hardship.
Halas: A Food for Tough Times
In some parts of Yemen, like the Tihamah region, people have continued to eat Ḥalaṣ. This happens especially when there are food shortages or when it's hard to find enough to eat. Halas serves as an important survival food, helping people get through difficult periods when other food sources are scarce.
