π§βπ€βπ§ Moroccans
Smen is a salted, aged clarified butter; the older it is, the more it is prized.
Moroccans are the people of Morocco, a country in north-western Africa with mountains, plains and coast. In Morocco dairy is traditional in both the mountains and the plains. Milk comes from cows, goats and sheep; common products are lben, a fermented milk drink, raib, a set sour milk, and the fresh cheese jben.
A distinctive product of the Maghreb is smen, a salted, aged clarified butter. Butter churned from soured milk is salted, sometimes seasoned with herbs, and aged in clay or ceramic jars. Over time smen develops a sharp, cheesy aroma, and aged smen is valued more highly. It is added in small amounts to couscous, tagines and soups for flavor rather than as the main fat. Studies of similar Algerian smen show that lactic acid bacteria and yeasts are responsible for the aroma, and that the homemade product can be safe.
Today smen is made both at home and in small workshops and sold at markets alongside other dairy products.
What it includes
- Traditional products
How it connects to milk
π§βπ€βπ§ Moroccans β among β π« Smen β made from β π₯ Cow's milk β type of β π₯ Milk
Links
- Where they live
- π North Africa
- Traditional products
- π« Smen
- Traditions
- π« Olives, π« Moroccan Picholine, π« Haouzia
Frequently asked questions
What is smen?
A salted, aged clarified butter of the Maghreb with a sharp, cheesy aroma; it is added in small amounts to couscous and tagines.
What is lben?
A fermented milk drink common in Morocco and other Maghreb countries.
Why is old smen valued more?
With long aging it develops a richer aroma that is prized as a seasoning.
Similar
π§βπ€βπ§ Lebanese Β· π§βπ€βπ§ Palestinians Β· π§βπ€βπ§ Greeks Β· π§βπ€βπ§ Italians