Kherbet Qanafar, West Bekaa
Set on the foothills of Mount Barouk, and overlooking the Qaraoun Lake, Kherbet Qanafar is located in West Bekaa, about 65 km from Beirut.
[youtube url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhLNdQEkiH0" width="500" height="300"]Origin of the name
The origin of the name Qanafar is not clear. Some say it goes back to the time when the village was ruled and ruined under the reign of King Qanafar. An analysis of the name in light of ancient languages, explains that the word Qanafar is derived from the "kino far" or the house of fruits, "kino" meaning house and "far" meaning fruits.
[caption id="attachment_2679" align="alignnone" width="960"] The majestic oak tree of Kherbet Qanafar ©Jean Estephan[/caption]Agriculture and Environment
The village's landscape invites for hiking and camping. The centenary oak tree is a famous icon of Kherbet Qanafar.
Its diverse countryside is filled with vine yards, vegetable fields and fruit orchards, a true feast to the eyes. The village is mostly famous for its olives, apples, peaches, melons as well as for its tomatoes, beans, potatoes and onions.
[caption id="attachment_1047" align="alignnone" width="900"] Baladi tomato fields in Kherbet Qanafar[/caption]Visiting Kherbet Qanafar
Visiting the food trail in Kherbet Qanafar, you will have an array of agriculture and gastronomic activities to involve in. From tomato picking to tomato paste making, you have the chance to interact with farmers to food producers who will tell you all what you need to know about the history of agriculture in the area and the traditional processing method of tomato concentrate in Bekaa.
[caption id="attachment_1049" align="alignnone" width="900"] Learn how to make tomato paste the traditional way, with a local host[/caption]The village is home to two tables d'hôte hosted by the food trail one specialized in milk cookies making and the other in mulberry products making as well as homemade local red wine and Arak. The village is also known for its winery - Chateau Qanafar - which lies on the top hill overlooking the landscape.
[caption id="attachment_1050" align="alignnone" width="900"] Making of mulberry compote is an activity suggested by darb el karam in Kherbet Qanafar[/caption]