Cuture

1. Baghdadis' diet chiefly comprised of grains (wheat, barley, and to an extent, rice), and meat from domesticated animals.
2.Meats consumed included mutton, beef, poultry, fish, and camel. Of these, mutton was by far the most preferred - it is said that the Prophet himself favored the shoulder and forelimbs of a freshly slaughtered sheep. Poultry was less common, though not unknown, as was beef, which was looked down upon as food for the poor.
3.Camels were only consumed at times of great need or on special occasions, as they were beasts of burden and played a vital role in transport and trade. Their livers and udders were especially prized.
4.In general, middle and upper class family households had their own domestic kitchens, while less fortunate families had to make do with communal kitchens.
5.The `Abbasid kitchen was equipped with two main appliances - the tannur, or oven, and the mustawkad, or stove. The tannur, which was used for baking, resembled a large overturned pot. Charcoal was added via a hole in its side and lit, after which the food to be baked was introduced.

Whitney Mitchell