The Story of Food, Love & Heritage

At Jar Thuraya, we embarked on a journey driven by a profound passion for our Lebanese food heritage and a deep-rooted desire to make a positive impact. Our brand is more than just a business; it is a celebration of tradition, a tribute to the stories embedded in our rich culinary heritage.

One of the driving forces behind our brand is the compelling narrative behind traditional food. We recognized the power of sharing the stories of the farmers and women producers in Lebanon who have devoted their lives to cultivating and preserving these age-old recipes. By sourcing ingredients directly from these dedicated individuals, we not only pay homage to their hard work but also empower rural communities and bridge the gender gap in agriculture.

It all started because of Teta Maha, our grandmother, a mother of Seven, who spent her life pouring heart and soul into making artisanal preserves to her family. She inspired us to start and thrive to grow.

For her and all the Super Women in Lebanon...

Why we're doing it

Our purpose is deeply rooted in a steadfast commitment to empowering communities and nurturing the traditions that have shaped our culinary heritage. We are driven by the belief that food is not just sustenance; it is a vessel that carries stories, connects generations, and preserves the essence of our identity.

How we're doing it

We source artisanal preserves from women producers every season. We label the jars with eco-friendly labels that show the women's names, where they come from, the story of the product, and pairing recommendations. Our goal is to connect consumers around the world to Artisanal Gourmet Mouneh, prepared by Lebanese Women, and promote environmental awareness in production and consumption.

Our Community

Throughout our journey, we have partnered with a diverse group of beneficiaries, collaborating on numerous projects and receiving support in various forms. We worked with Young women who recreated traditional recipes with a modern touch, we collaborated with local artists and we did joint partnerships with women-led businesses. Our presence around local markets and events has also made an impact in growing our community .

Watch our Reels

High Quality Sourcing

Plant-Based

All our products are proudly plant-based, offering a sustainable and cruelty-free choice for conscious consumers. We source our ingredients from local farmers.

Natural

Our products are crafted with an unwavering commitment to nature, free from any chemicals. We prioritize natural ingredients to provide our customers with pure, chemical-free choices.

Gluten Free

Our products are entirely gluten-free, offering a dietary choice that accommodates individuals with gluten sensitivities. We prioritize inclusivity by providing delicious options suitable for a range of dietary needs.

Dairy Free

All our products are dairy-free, catering to those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies. We are committed to offering delicious and inclusive options that are free from dairy ingredients.

Nut-Free

Our merchandise is completely nut-free, ensuring safety for individuals with nut allergies. We prioritize allergen-conscious choices to provide a worry-free experience for our customers.

Plastic-Free

Our merchandise is proudly plastic-free, aligning with our commitment to reducing environmental impact. We prioritize eco-friendly materials and packaging to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable world.

Rural Cooperatives

Our merchandise is sourced from rural cooperatives in Lebanon, where skilled women lead the way, providing opportunities for economic empowerment and community growth. We are dedicated to supporting and showcasing their talents, fostering independence and sustainable development.

Lebanese

Our merchandise is proudly Lebanese, crafted with care and dedication in the heart of Lebanon. We take immense pride in supporting local artisans and showcasing the rich heritage of our country through our products.

Around the World

We are committed to high quality food to abide by all the international rules and regulation for food safety.

It's a Story of Collaboration

We have fostered dynamic collaborations with a diverse range of young talents, artists, and chefs, as well as supported local small businesses in various ventures. These collective efforts have not only invigorated our offerings with fresh perspectives and innovation but have also empowered emerging talent and small enterprises. Recognizing the intrinsic value of such partnerships, we firmly believe that joint endeavors are instrumental in catalyzing positive change, fostering creativity, and building a more interconnected and resilient community.

Young for Christmas

We collaborated with three young Women, Katia, Sylvie, and Heidi on an exclusive Christmas Collection. They created products that pair with the Holidays Spirit and contributed to modernizing the industry of local preserves.

Young for Christmas was a campaign that promoted the joint efforts of these superwomen. The products they created were: Garlic Confit with Pepper, Pickled Grapes in Wine with Cinnamon and Anise and Carob Dip with Tahini, Roasted Almonds and Orange Blossom Water.

@cooking_bel_beit | @holymitt | @allergicfood_lover

Christmas Gifts

The Art of Food

Introducing 'Garlic Confit: A Limited Edition by Sylvie.' In this culinary masterpiece, Sylvie's expert touch is evident from start to finish. She meticulously roasted plump garlic bulbs to perfection, carefully pressed them into a rich and aromatic oil infusion, and masterfully blended in hints of pepper and thyme. The result was a gourmet spread that elevated our Christmas table.

To capture the essence of this exquisite creation, the talented Lizzy skillfully shot the photos, bringing to life the artistry and flavors of 'Garlic Confit.

@holymitt | @lizzys.lb

Meet Sylvie

Floral Paradise

Introducing the exquisite limited edition Strawberry Honeysuckle Jam, crafted with love and expertise by Lizzy. She embarked on this culinary journey by preparing the jam the traditional way, using the finest strawberries, handpicked for their sweetness. But what makes this creation truly unique is Lizzy's infusion of delicate honeysuckle flowers, turning the jam into a delectable treat that evokes the nostalgic taste of childhood candy. The result is a harmonious blend of traditional and whimsical flavors.

@lizzys.lb

Meet Lizzy

Carob Indulgence

This recipe is a delectable creation by Heidi that reimagined tradition with a modern twist. This vegan, no-added-sugar spread combines the rich, earthy notes of carob with creamy tahini (sesame paste) and the delightful crunch of roasted almonds, all delicately infused with the fragrant essence of orange blossom water. This gourmet delight not only offers a guilt-free indulgence but is also gluten-free, making it the perfect blend of health-conscious and mouthwatering. 'Carob Indulgence' Limited Edition, is a contemporary take on the beloved classic 'Debs w Tahini,' igniting your taste buds with a symphony of flavors."

@allergicfood_lover | @lizzys.lb

Meet Heidi

It takes a Village

For centuries, the production of Lebanese Mouneh became a pillar of the local economy. Women across the country built up skills of preparation and preservation of mouneh to bring out the best flavors of our natural resources. 

Those who grew up around the Levant watched their cupboards fill up every season with various preserves. The relish of herbs, the crispiness of nuts, and the sweet aroma of jams come to life with every harvest. The sustainability of this industry relies on a long supply chain of hardworking farmers, skilled women, and the creativity of youth actively involved in the preservation of the local heritage. 

Our collaboration with local artist Tony Maalouf has brought back the Heritage Spirit and highlighted the importance of Young Women, who are contributing to the sustainability of the industry.

@elmaalouf

Meet Tony

How it all Started

We embarked on a remarkable journey, armed with nothing more than an idea and a shared passion for making a difference. Little did we know that our aspirations would flourish into a thriving business, and it was all made possible through the unwavering support and belief of our invaluable partner, UNDP, and their Youth Leadership Program (YLP4).

Our story is one of growth, transformation, and endless possibilities. UNDP recognized the potential in our budding venture and stood by us every step of the way. With their guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for learning, we were able to transform our vision into a reality, and our business into a beacon of hope.

We are particularly grateful for the privilege of representing Lebanon alongside UNDP Arab States, not only in our homeland but also in Tunisia and New York. These experiences have broadened our horizons, allowing us to connect with global communities and to share our vision for a better world.

With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as our compass, we remain committed to fostering sustainability and working hand in hand with UNDP. Our story is an ongoing narrative of perseverance, collaboration, and a shared vision for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Discover YLP

Our Commitment to Sustainability ♲

SDG #5, Gender Equality

Empowering women in our community by providing opportunities for financial independence through their culinary skills.

SDG #8, Decent Work and Economic Growth

Offering flexible and fair work opportunities for older female food producers, while supporting the local economy through partnerships with small, local farmers.

SDG #11, Sustainable Cities and Communities

By creating inclusive, resilient, and environmentally conscious practices, we aim to improve the quality of life for communities and contribute to the goal of building sustainable cities and communities.

SDG #12, Responsible Consumption and Production

Offering flexible and fair work opportunities for older female food producers, while supporting the local economy through partnerships with small, local farmers.
- SDG#12, Responsible Consumption and Production: We're 100% plastic-free, using recycled materials in our packaging to minimize waste and promote a cleaner, more sustainable world.

SDG #17, Partnerships for the Goals

We leverage this goal operations through strategic partnerships and collaborations, working with diverse stakeholders to advance sustainability initiatives. These alliances allow us to maximize our impact and collectively address environmental and social challenges while fostering innovation and responsible business practices.

A Message of Gratitude

"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to many organizations and partners for their unwavering support on our journey. To the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the U.S. Department of State, Legacy International, IREX in Washington DC, Centro Community in San Francisco California, UNDP, Oxfam, Biat, Injaz, and the Rural Initiative, in Beirut. Your unwavering commitment has been instrumental in our growth and success. Together, we are making a positive impact, and we are truly thankful for your partnership and continued support in our mission for a better world." Thank you.