my cart

Za'atar

The best za'atar we've ever tasted! Savory, nutty and tart.

Regular price
$9.99
Regular price
Sale price
$9.99
Unit price
per 
Availability
Sale price
$9.99
106 reviews
BUILD A GIFT SET & SAVE >
  • Guaranteed to wow you or we'll replace
  • Free shipping on $45+ orders
  • In stock. Ships in 1-2 days.

Our spectacular Za'atar is grown and blended in Palestine, where it has been a staple seasoning, topping and condiment for as long as recorded history. The name za'atar refers to both the herb itself (a relative of oregano) and the classic blend where the herb is ground and mixed with sesame, sumac and salt. Use as a finishing spice, a seasoning to roast meat or vegetables, or as a dip mixed with fresh olive oil.

Za'atar is a blend named after its key ingredient, a Levantine species of oregano that flourishes in the region's characteristic arid conditions, and it also includes sesame seeds, sumac and other ingredients, depending on who's making it. Good za'atar tastes savory, deeply herbal, piney, nutty, tart and peppery.

We're able to share this za'atar because of the expertise, persistence and creativity of more people than you probably realize — we assembled a scrappy team of farmers, millers, entrepreneurs, freight forwarders and at least one father-in-law who pieced together a whole supply chain for you. It represents a shared pride and passion for their land, its people and their culture. When we talk about heirloom spices, this is what we're talking about.

The miller, Abu Ali, said, "We do this from our hearts out of love. Working in the mill bringing the smell of the za'atar in the air makes us all love our job even more. We want the world to know we love our culture and want to share the love of our culture by working hard daily just so we can bring joy into everyone’s home."

Highlights

Origin:

Ein Samiya, Palestine

Aliases:

Zatar, za'tar, za3tar

Process:

Dried, ground and blended

Ingredients:

Za'atar (Origanum syriacum), toasted sesame seeds, sumac, salt, citric acid

Tasting notes:

Mountain Herbs • Toasted Sesame • Tradition

Cooking tips

  • Mix with olive oil as a dip for bread or rub for vegetables or protein
  • Use as a rub for baked chicken or eggs
  • Roast vegetables and potatoes, then top with tahini and za'atar

SOURCING

Sourcing image

Our za'atar was cultivated by a family in the hills outside of Ramallah using artisanal and organic methods, including collecting limited rainwater to grow the za'atar plants. Like many Palestinians, they are denied access to the aquifers beneath their feet and must practice water-saving techniques to grow their traditional crops.

When the herb's fuzzy, heart-shaped leaves are ready for harvest throughout the summer, they are hand-picked by farmers who learned their craft from their parents and grandparents and cultivate the same land, rare in a place where many farming families have had their land taken away from the

After harvest, the za'atar is dried and then ground at a local mill. Careful stone milling of the za'atar leaves before blending is essential to create the distinctive light, fluffy texture of real Palestinian za'atar. The ground leaves are precisely blended with roasted local sesame seeds and tart, purple sumac, which grow in Silwad and the eastern areas of Ramallah.

We're grateful for the partnership of Manal from Re7het Falasteen in helping set up this supply chain and coordinating the production from Palestine to the US. They also carry exceptional Palestinian foods and pantry goods, so make sure to check out their site.

Customer Reviews
4.9 Based on 106 Reviews
5 ★
92% 
98
4 ★
5% 
5
3 ★
1% 
1
2 ★
2% 
2
1 ★
0% 
0
Write a Review Ask a Question

Thank you for submitting a review!

Your input is very much appreciated. Share it with your friends so they can enjoy it too!

Filter Reviews:
  • Za'atar
  • spices
  • flavor
  • olive oil
  • Barrel
  • Burlap
  • aroma
  • everything
  • blend
  • eggs
LS
02/27/2023
Leanne S.
United States United States

Great gifts for the cooks in your life!

My son enjoys using new spices and this one was a fun find and also a great spice shop. Also purchased Purple Stripe Garlic, a must for garlic lovers and the Spice Passport to get a sample of new spices/tastes. My experience with Burlap and Barrel exceeded my expectations.

A Burlap & Barrel Customer
KM
02/19/2023
Kathleen M.
United States United States

Za’atar

Za’atar is my first true experience with trying unusual spices. I heard that Burlap & Barrel really goes the extra mile for authenticity and great production, so I started here with my experimentation. Za’atar is terrific! Thank you!

DL
02/13/2023
Donna L.
United States United States

Want more FAT..?

That’s right—more Flavor, Aroma, Taste! They bring it all!

MK
02/08/2023
Maria K.
United States United States

Yum

This is delicious but better if you take the shaker top off to use it as it sticks together a bit. Could just be my climate.