Za’atar

PURPOSE [foogallery id=”3005″] WHAT IS IT? A popular savory spice blend found throughout the Middle East, Za’atar combines the sour of sumac, the nutty of sesame seeds, and, depending upon what the country of origin is, roasted thyme, or thyme and oregano, or oregano, and salt. EXPERIENCE It’s an herbal, sourish-salty with nutty-earthy overtones from the sesame seeds. Za’atar is also high in antioxidants. CULINARY GEOGRAPHY Za’atar is one of the most common household spices, found all over the Middle East, from the Levant (Iraq to Syria) the Fertile Crescent and the Arabian Peninsula.  There is some form of it, affected by local tastes, in Algeria, Armenia, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, and Turkey. TRADITIONAL USES As part of the seasonings of roasted or Tagine meats; Sprinkled over hummus for some extra flavor; Baked into breads; Sprinkled on a yogurt cheese slightly drier than a Gree