Za'atar Spice Recipe (2025)

FAQs

What is Za Atar seasoning 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.

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

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.

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.

Other Latin names for the herbs called za'atar in Arabic include Origanum syriacum (also known as Bible hyssop, Arabic oregano and wild marjoram) and Origanum majorana (sweet marjoram).

Nutritional Value of Zaatar:

It is also a very powerful antioxidant. Sesame seeds are thought to be one of the healthiest foods because they are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients that are good for your health.

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.

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.

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.

Za'atar is a mix of spices, including dried oregano, thyme, or marjoram, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds, known to have health benefits such as suppressing coughing and lowering blood pressure.

With a rich history stretching back to Ancient Egypt, this versatile mix has found itself in myriad regional variations across the Middle East, each country employing Za'atar to enhance their traditional dishes in unique ways.

In 1977, the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture declared wild za'atar a protected plant in Israel, strictly regulating its harvesting. The criminalization of za'atar harvesting continues to be enforced in Israel and occupied territories of the West Bank by the Israeli Nature and Parks Association (INPA).

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.

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.

Nutritional Value of Zaatar:

It is also a very powerful antioxidant. Sesame seeds are thought to be one of the healthiest foods because they are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and nutrients that are good for your health.

Also among popular Middle Eastern blends is Za'atar, a mixture with a very different base and flavor profile than baharat. It is a much more herbaceous, nutty blend, consists of a mix of dried herbs (basil, thyme, oregano, or hyssop), toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.