Za'atar Baked Panko Aubergine

What is Za’atar? A Middle Eastern Treasure.

Za’atar is a culinary herb, but it’s also the name of a spice blend that uses it or emulates its flavor. There would not be Middle Eastern food as we know it without za’atar, and that would be a huge loss. Middle Eastern food is not only exotic and inviting, but it’s also comforting and always familiar.

Middle Eastern food goes back for centuries, and it has influenced every cuisine on the planet. This might just be the cradle of modern food, and it’s thanks to spices like za’atar that we get to experience it!

Here’s all you need to know about za’atar and Spice Master’s Za’atar spice blend, an opportunity to bring Middle Eastern flavours to your kitchen quick and easy. Cooking with za’atar might sound challenging, but it isn’t; it’s tons of fun! And it’s delicious as well, so let’s get started! Here’s all about za’atar.

The History of Za’atar

The first record of za’atar goes back to Ancient Egypt. Some spices used in za’atar were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun himself! The ancient Greeks also knew za’atar, and the condiment is mentioned repeatedly in Jewish tradition.

Za’atar has been more than flavour throughout the ages; it was part of spiritual ceremonies with immense significance. Experts believe za’atar was used for its purifying powers; you can’t say the same about most other spice blends, can you?

Za’atar was already a defining trait in Arab cooking during the middle ages. And although some herbs in a typical za’atar blend are also common in other Mediterranean spice blends, together, they’re uniquely Middle Eastern. If you’ve tried Palestinian, Arab or Israeli food, then you already know what za’atar can do. If you haven’t, then you’re in for a pleasant surprise!

Za’atar is now considered a world heritage, and people enjoy it worldwide for the condiment’s versatility and unique Arab feel.

How to use Za’atar Spice?

Za’atar spice blends vary, but they often contain thyme, sumac, oregano, marjoram, cumin and salt. The combination of herbs livens a wide variety of dishes with freshness and aromatics.

Using za’atar to give flavour to bread is not uncommon. Dipping flatbread or pita in olive oil and za’atar is a fantastic snack! You can also season red and white meat with za’atar, and it’s also compatible with vegetables and legume-based dishes like hummus.

If you really want to appreciate the condiment’s delicious personality, combine za’atar with yoghurt for a fantastic dip. And that’s not all; people in Oman make themselves a za’atar tea — isn’t that something? Za’atar can really do it all. You’ll find many uses for it in your kitchen.

Za’atar Spices Explained

Za’atar spices are not overly complicated, as just a few perfumed herbs come together for this ancient condiment. This doesn’t mean that za’atar doesn’t add flavour depth and complexity to your meals — in fact, it’s quite the opposite.

1. Thyme

Thyme is native to the Mediterranean Basin, and it has played a critical role in every cuisine in the area for centuries. The Ancient Egyptians used it, and so did the Greeks and Romans. Since the beginning of time, thyme has been part of ancient cultures, including Arab civilisations.

2. Sumac

Sumac is unique in the realm of spices; the dried and powdered fruit has an intense crimson colour and a lovely tang. Sumac is more than an all-natural colouring; it adds a tart, almost citrus flavour to many dishes in the Middle Eastern repertoire. It certainly balances the more intense elements in za’atar.

3. Oregano

Oregano is a quintessential Mediterranean herb, and it’s related to marjoram. Incredibly scented with earthy and herbal notes, oregano is easy to spot, even if used in small quantities. There’s no doubt oregano is one of the most prominent aromatics in za’atar.

4. Marjoram

Marjoram is much more common in the Middle East than oregano, although both perennial herbs have similar characteristics. Marjoram grows from Southern Europe to Sweden, and its pine, citrus flavours are used in many cuisines, especially Middle Eastern kitchens.

5. Cumin

Cumin is native to the Irano-Turanian region in the Persian Plateau. It’s only natural for Arab countries and those of Persian ascendence to consider the flavourful herb their own. Cumin was used in cooking at least 8,000 years ago. The herb’s warm aroma is addictive.

6. Salt

Salt, of course, is a flavour enhancer that brings all the elements in za’atar together. Salt also enhances any food seasoned with za’atar, allowing home cooks to season their food with ease.

Elevate Your Cooking with Za’atar

Za’atar is a wonderfully fragrant spice: it’s a beautiful rub for red and white meat, and it’s an excellent addition to anything, from soups and stews to bread.

Spice Master’s Za’atar spice will give variety to your cooking and open a world of possibilities into the ancient Middle Eastern way of life. Incredibly easy to use and easily identifiable, it’s spices like za’atar that make cooking so much fun!