Za’atar is the Arabic name for the perennial herb
Is oregano and zaatar the same?
Wild zaatar oregano (Origanum syriacum) is also called Lebanese oregano, Syrian oregano, Bible hyssop, holy hyssop and, simply, zaatar or za’atar, though it’s not to be confused with the Middle Eastern seasoning of the same name.
Is Za Atar thyme or oregano?
Even though it varies greatly depending on where you are in the Middle East (specific recipes are sometimes closely-guarded secrets!), za’atar is generally a combination of dried oregano, thyme, and/or marjoram (woodsy and floral), with sumac (tangy and acidic) and toasted sesame seeds (nutty and rich).
What kind of herb is zaatar?
Zaatar or Za’tar (zaah-tar) is a noun in the Arabic language and refers to both a Middle-Eastern herb spice mixture and also 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.
Can I substitute zaatar for thyme?
Ground thyme is the most common substitution for the za’atar herb, but other variations on the recipe call for equal-parts mixtures of any number of herbs: thyme, oregano, marjoram, cumin, or coriander.
Does zaatar taste like oregano?
Dry Za’atar Spice Blend Flavor
It’s more subtle than bold herbs like rosemary or North American thyme. Because the wild thyme and oregano in the blend have been dehydrated, you can wake up their essential flavor notes by blooming the spices in olive oil or another liquid when cooking.
Is oregano and thyme the same?
The difference between thyme and oregano lies in their flavor and aroma. Thyme has a complex combination of sweet, peppery, minty, and lemony flavor, whereas oregano has a bold, intense, and earthy flavor.
What is Lebanese Zaatar made of?
Lebanese zaatar (also spelled za’atar) is a fantastic, aromatic spice blend of sumac, thyme, sesame seeds and salt. Make this recipe to season your favorite dishes!
Is zaatar same as sumac?
Are Za’atar and Sumac the Same? While sumac and za’atar are related, they are actually two different spices. To be more specific, sumac is a single-ingredient spice made by drying the leaves of the sumac plant. Za’atar, on the other hand, is a blend of ingredients.
What is zaatar mix used for?
Za’atar is used in practically everything in Middle Eastern cuisine; it’s a table spice as well as a cooking spice. If you’ve never tasted za’atar before, get to know its flavor by mixing it with olive oil and using it as a dip for fresh bread.
What’s the difference between zaatar and thyme?
Za’atar is the Arabic word for Thyme but Zaatar is also a prepared condiment generally made with ground dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, or some combination thereof, mixed with toasted sesame seeds, and salt, though other spices such as sumac might also be added.
Where is Za Atar spice from?
In the Modern Hebrew language, za’atar is used as an Arabic loanword. Thymus capitatus (also called Satureja capitata) is a species of wild thyme found throughout the hills of the Levant and Mediterranean Middle East.
What kind of spice is sumac?
Made from the dried and ground berries of the wild sumac flower, sumac is a tangy spice with a sour, acidic flavor reminiscent of lemon juice. This fragrant spice is used to brighten up dry rubs, spice blends like za’atar, and dressings.
What can I replace Za Atar with?
For a quick and easy za’atar substitute, just add some dried thyme, sesame seeds and lemon zest if you don’t have any sumac on hand. Use two tablespoons of sesame seeds, one tablespoon of thyme and two teaspoons of sumac or the zest from one lemon.
How do you use Zatar?
Some spice mixes are one-trick ponies, but the uses for za’atar are endless. Often it is baked into flatbread, mixed with olive oil or tahini to make a dip, tossed into salads, rubbed onto meat, or sprinkled over hummus.
Is Zaatar good for health?
Health Benefits Of Zaatar
Zaatar has some truly impressive health benefits, including its ability to improve the immune system, boost skin health, build strong bones, increase circulation, clear out the respiratory tracts, soothe inflammation, boost energy, improve mood, aid memory, and treat chronic diseases.
Why is my zaatar bitter?
Za’atar mixes, of which there are many variations, contain za’atar leaves, salt and sumac (which adds some acidity) in order to balance its slightly bitter taste.
What is the meaning of zaatar in English?
Definition of za’atar
: a Middle Eastern spice blend made usually of dried herbs (such as thyme or marjoram), dried sumac (see sumac sense 3), and sesame seeds.
Is Za Atar seasoning spicy?
Unlike other spice blends you might know and love, like chili powder or taco seasoning, za’atar doesn’t actually have a lot of heat. Traditionally, there are no hot and spicy ingredients like dried peppers. Instead, the ingredients in za’atar give it a distinct flavor profile that’s: Herby and fresh tasting.
Can I replace thyme with oregano?
Fresh or dried, oregano makes a great thyme substitute. The flavours are very similar, both being in the mint family, and it’s an almost imperceptible switch. You can use oregano for thyme in virtually any recipe, no matter what type of cuisine it is.
Which is better thyme or oregano?
In contrast, oregano is higher in calories, potassium, and calcium (in fresh forms of these 2). Oregano also contains a large number of antioxidants. But when comparing the fresh and dried forms of both herbs, while fresh and dried oregano is very similar in nutrients, dried thyme has more nutrition than fresh thyme.
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.