Ya2sama: Every Day3a’s Favorite Winter Treat

Everyone who lives bel day3a has definitely tried ya2sama, and if you haven’t, then it’s about time we tap into some Lebanese nostalgia and tell you about this beloved winter treat.

Back in the day, before climate change was a thing, Lebanese winters were a spectacle. It would start snowing by December in areas as low as 600m above sea level, but it would snow more heavily than what we see today. People who lived bel day3a where the layers of snow were soft, they would scoop up the snow and take it home to make ya2sama.

And it’s basically the equivalent of a snow cone! Some people would squeeze lime or lemon juice with sugar over it, others who preferred it sweet would add debes 3enab and/or kharroub, pomegranate seeds, and even red wine.

Many people still enjoy this delicacy to this day, but we’re sure if you ask your parents 3an iyyem l 3ez, they’ll tell you all about this highly anticipated winter treat. Day3a dwellers still enjoy it to this day, or people who visit their mountain houses during the winter time after the first snow.

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You can mix pretty much anything with the snow you collect since it’s basically ice cream (as long as the snow is clean and soft). People usually collect it in the early morning to make sure it’s fresh!

Since the snow seasons are getting shorter and the snowfall is scarce, people are unfortunately enjoying ya2sama less and less every year. Next time you head for the mountains, make sure you try it at least once!