International Cuisine: What’s the Difference Between Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Food?

The Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions are close geographically, which has cultivated similarities in their cuisines over the centuries. Both diets heavily feature vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and nutritious fats from olive oils, nuts, and seeds, as well as less red meat than many other cultures. However, the two aren’t interchangeable — though they’re often confused with each other — and there are several differences that separate them. Countries commonly associated with Mediterranean cuisine most often include those that border...