Couscous

Couscous itself is a type of fine semolina made from wheat grain. Until very recently, every family would send its wheat (bought at the market) to the local mill to be ground to the degree of fineness they preferred. Back home, the grain went through a process of rubbing with fine flour. It was put in a large wooden bowl. Gradually, flour was sprinkled over it, while the women rolled it into the couscous with their hands so as to coat each grain with a fine film of flour. This was in order to keep each grain separate when it was steamed. Today, most people buy their couscous ready-made for the sake of expediency.