Za'atar

Origanum syriacum

  • COMMON NAMES

    Biblical hyssop, Syrian oregano, Wild thyme, za’atar

  • PLANT FAMILY

    Lamiaceae

    The Mint Family

  • NATIVE REGION

    Native to the Middle East.

  • HABITAT

    The plant prefers rich, dry to medium moisture, neutral drained soils in full sun.

  • CULTIVATION

    Perennial

  • PARTS USED

    Leaf

PREPARATION

PROPERTIES: Volatile oils & Flavonoids

FLAVOR PROFILE: Aromatic, floral, nutty.

PAIRING: Bread, Cheese, Chiles

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping teaspoon per cup of hot water.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz honey; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup honey for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz vinegar; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup vinegar for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Use flowering tops and leaves. Discard stems. Chop finely and use 1 heaping tablespoon per 1 oz spirit; or 1 cup herb per 1 cup spirit for a 1:1 ratio.

  • Dries quickly, air dry and do not apply additional heat to retain delicate volatile oil.