They're All Nuts...
On Fridays, before the Sabbath begins (and all the shops close), Israelis make sure to stock up on two things: "garinim" and newspapers. Garinim are sunflower seeds, which are bought freshly roasted from special nut and seed shops. Other favorites are pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds, pistachios, almonds and a coated peanut snack called "kabukim." The average Israeli male could win a world record in garinim-eating, if there were such a thing. They have a special technique (which I personally have never mastered) for cracking them open with their teeth, extracting the seeds and spitting out the shells a mile a minute, all without taking their eyes off the newspaper.The garinim and other nuts and seeds are purchased in little brown bags of 100 or 200 grams which the seller scoops up for you. They can be purchased in cellophane bags in the supermarket, of course, but those in the know say...
