Date palms have been cultivated in the Middle East for centuries, inspiring the locals to explore various uses for their abundant fruit beyond just a standalone snack (or, in the case of Indiana Jones, a vehicle for poison.)

Eventually, the concept of Jallab emerged - a fruit syrup that was made by boiling down the dares to create a concentrated golden syrup. These days, we have industrially produced Jallab, which is much more convenient.

This has given rise to a distinct drink of the same name that’s famous in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. The main ingredients are carob, dates, grape molasses and rose water, but it’s often served with pine nuts or raisins and smoked with Arabic incense.