Xerophagy ("dry eating", from Greek ξηρός "dry" and φαγεῖν "eat") is a form of ancient Christian fasting in which a believer fasts from food and water until sunset, as well as abstains from meat, alcohol and succulent fruits for the one meal that is consumed after sunset;[1][2] the early Church's Apostolic Constitutions enjoin for the meal eaten after sundown: bread, salt, water, nuts, as well as vegetables cooked with water and salt.
[1] The early Christian apologist Tertullian references this manner of fasting in his works.
"[1] The Montanist Christians practiced xerophagy twice a year for fourteen days.
Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox denominations encourage xerophagy during Holy Week and on Good Friday, the one meal may include "bread, with a little water, tea or fruit-juice, but not until sunset".
[4] Outside of the regular calendar of Christian fasts, xerophagy may also be used as a penance for specific transgressions.