Za'atar (red)

Za'atar, named after its traditional staple, Syrian marjoram, is a spice mixture made from green herbs, sumac and sesame seeds. The original mixture is said to have been just 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, thyme and the herbs from the oregano genus, including marjoram and oregano. It is therefore not surprising that many za'atars today  oregano, thyme and common marjoram all contain, after all za'atars.

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

Za'atar is often given its own signature, and is therefore on the market in all conceivable variations. The closest to the original recipe is 'green za'atar', but usually too little sesame seeds are added, which makes the taste somewhat flat; the ratio of herbs to sesame should be about 4:1. Sumac is added to 'red' za'atar, just like in medieval medicine. Our za'atar is of the latter type, but does not contain any salt. The advantage of this is that adding za'atar does not affect the salt content of the dish, which you can add salt as needed.

Za'atar, like bahārāt, is a widespread Arabic spice mixture used as a rub or marinade (mixed with olive oil) for cooking beef, lamb, chicken or fish, as a sprinkle on hummus, yoghurt, labneh or baba ganoush! Also delicious on baked potatoes. Remember that the green herbs are not hard, like rosemary, and can burn when you bake them with the potatoes (see tip below).

Smell and taste

Za'atar is very fragrant. Since the sesame seeds are already toasted, you can prepare it as a 'raw' sprinkle. To make the aromas of za'atar even more pronounced, you can warm the za'atar in some butter (do not toast or fry!).

Features:

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

Allergen information

• this  za'atar is carefully crafted in the UK
• the mixture contains sesame, and may contain traces of celery and mustard contain

Assortment

• available in glass 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
• at least good until July 2025 (07-2025)
• This expiration date is an indication

Batch number

The batch number helps us trace which supply an item originates from. It is stated on the packing slip and the invoice