Za'atar Spice Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is Za Atar spice made of? ›

Za'atar is a spice blend composed of herbs such as thyme, oregano, marjoram or a combination of the three, along with other spices including sesame, sumac, cumin or coriander.

Ground thyme is the most common substitution for the za'atar herb, but other variations on the recipe call for equal-parts mixtures of any number of herbs: thyme, oregano, marjoram, cumin, or coriander.

Ingredients. Toasted sesame seeds, spices (thyme, marjoram, coriander, oregano) chickpea flour, sea salt, sunflower oil, citric acid (acidulant), lemon oil.

The two things to remember about zaatar is that it will burn and become bitter at high temperatures and that it loses aroma and pungency with age.

Za'atar has been shown to help people with bronchitis stop coughing fits, and dried sumac, which is one of the main ingredients, has been shown to lower blood pressure and help people with type 2 diabetes.

Zaatar or Za'tar (zaah-tur) is a common noun in the Arabic language and refers to both a Middle-Eastern herb spice mixture and importantly a distinct herb plant in the mint family. The herbal plant is referred to in English as bible hyssop or Syrian oregano, but the mixture is just called zaatar.

Some uncommon Middle Eastern spices such as sumac, za'atar, and dukkah have become my go-to's. They're perfect on fish, salads, meats, and vegetables. Sumac is a red-purple powder that adds a lovely lemony flavor and gorgeous color. Za'atar is a lemony hyssop or thyme, sumac, and sesame seed blend.

Za'atar. Also among popular Middle Eastern blends is Za'atar, a mixture with a very different base and flavor profile than baharat.

The plant Zaatar may be referred to as the Middle-Eastern oregano but is locally known as wild thyme, or wild Zaatar. Origanum syriacum, or Zaatar, is native to the Middle East. It is a short shrub of up to 2.5 feet. It is characterized by its small white flowers and very fragrant cottony leaves.

The smell and taste of za'atar is sharp but rich, and deeply aromatic. Although thyme and oregano compose the dominant flavors, there is a prominent nuttiness from the toasted sesame seeds and a slight tang from the dried sumac.

How long does Za Atar seasoning last? ›

Unopened, za'atar can last between 2 to 3 years, so don't worry if the date printed on the package seems ages away - it likely is! Once opened, za'atar should ideally be used within 6 months as it gradually loses its flavor over time. However, it won't spoil quickly and can still be used for up to 1 year.

The blend — offered in 2.25-ounce jars, priced at $1.99 — combines garlic, lime oil, lime juice, onion powder, salt and red pepper, along with bay leaves, coriander, cumin, cilantro, black pepper, oregano, cilantro, basil, lemon oil, marjoram and parsley, to comprise its Cuban-cuisine inspired flavor.

No matter what kind you track down, za'atar is like any spice and will lose flavor over time. Buy it in small batches that you'll use up before your stash goes stale (you'll know it's no good when it no longer smells fragrant).

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Many of the herbs in za'atar, like thyme and oregano, contain compounds that possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially aiding in reducing inflammation in the body.

What is the best way to store Za'atar and the Za'atar spread? The dried Za'atar blend can be stored in a cabinet, pantry, or in the fridge to preserve shelf life even longer. It is best to keep your Za'atar Extra Virgin Olive Oil condiment spread in a cabinet, pantry, on counter, and not in the fridge.

The beauty of za'atar is its simplicity and adaptability. Since it is roasted, its taste is naturally earthy. But it also brings a lemony brightness to the foods it is paired with. Its flavor is subtle yet aromatic, rich but not overpowering, deep yet slightly tangy.

Some uncommon Middle Eastern spices such as sumac, za'atar, and dukkah have become my go-to's. They're perfect on fish, salads, meats, and vegetables. Sumac is a red-purple powder that adds a lovely lemony flavor and gorgeous color. Za'atar is a lemony hyssop or thyme, sumac, and sesame seed blend.

Za'atar components modulate gut microbiota, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and obesity. The combined action of Za'atar components might generate beneficial effects for human health.

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, Za'atar is a nutritional powerhouse. Its primary ingredients, thyme, sumac, and sesame seeds, each bring their unique set of health-promoting properties.