Za'atar

Za'atar, named after its traditional main ingredient, Syrian marjoram, is a spice blend made with green herbs, sumac, and sesame seeds. The original mixture is said to have been simply a combination of Syrian marjoram, sesame seeds, and salt.

The word za'atar is not only the name of the mixture, but also of a group of herbs: savory, wild basil, thyme, and herbs from the oregano genus, including marjoram and oregano. It is therefore not surprising that many za'atars are now oregano, thyme and common marjoram all contain, after all za'atars.

In the Middle Ages, za'atar (with sumac) was used medicinally, as were many herbs, spices, and mixtures. It was used, for example, for colds.

Za'atar is often given its own signature, and therefore is available in all conceivable variations. The closest to the original recipe is 'green za'atar,' but usually too little sesame seeds are added, resulting in a somewhat bland flavor; the ratio of spices to sesame should be around 4:1. 'Red' za'atar has sumac added, just like in medieval medicine. Our za'atar is of the latter type, but contains no salt. The advantage of this is that adding za'atar doesn't affect the saltiness of the dish, allowing you to add salt as needed.

Like bahārāt, za'atar is a widespread Arabic spice blend used as a rub or marinade (mixed with olive oil) for beef, lamb, chicken, or fish, and as a sprinkle on hummus, yogurt, labneh, or baba ganoush! It's also delicious on baked potatoes. Keep in mind that the green herbs aren't hard like rosemary and can burn when baked with the potatoes (see tip below).

Smell and taste

Za'atar is very fragrant. Because the sesame seeds are already toasted, you can prepare it as a "raw" sprinkle. To further enhance the aroma of za'atar, you can warm the za'atar in a little butter (do not toast or fry!).

Features:

• This (red) za'atar contains: thyme, black cumin (Bunium persicum), coriander (leaf), SESAME seeds, sumac (Rhus coriaria) and Syrian marjoram (Majorana syriaca)
  
• origin: Middle East, Persian cuisine (Iran)

Allergen information

• this za'atar is carefully curated in the UK
• the mixture contains sesame

Assortment

• available in glass (45 grams) and stand-up pouch (no test tubes)
• larger quantities on request

Gift wrapping

• The jar is available in a tasteful gift packaging, consisting of a cube box filled with black tissue paper.
• For an overview of our gift packaging, please refer to the gift packaging section.

General advice

• store za'atar in a dark, dry and cool place
  

Save:

• save your za'atar in closed packaging
• preferably store in a dark, dry and cool place
• best before August 2026 (08-2026)
• This expiration date is an indication

Batch number

The batch number helps us track which batch an item originates from. It's listed on the packing slip and invoice.