By Robert J. Matthews
Large amounts of whole grains are a big part of the Mediterranean diet.
In Italy, farro is a traditional grain that is used in both hot and cold meals.
Chickpeas are a type of grain that are often eaten in the Mediterranean diet.
They are whipped into hummus, shaped into falafel, and tossed into salads.
People like to snack on nuts and seeds because they are high in fiber, protein, and fat.
People in the Middle East often use tahini as a seasoning. It is made from ground sesame seeds.
Fresh and canned tomatoes are both important parts of the Mediterranean diet.
They can be eaten whole, cut up, stewed, or made into a paste.