Our spectacular za'atar is blended at origin in Palestine with locally grown herbs, sesame seeds and sumac.
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."
Ein Samiya, Palestine
Zatar, za'tar, za3tar
Dried, ground and blended
Za'atar (Origanum syriacum), toasted sesame seeds, sumac, salt, citric acid
Mountain Herbs • Toasted Sesame • Tradition
COOKING
- 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
- Cilbir-Inspired Eggs
- Sheet Pan Balsamic Chicken with Za'atar Chickpea Salad
SOURCING
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.
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Wild Za’atar
We love this Za’atar, with its special taste and texture, made with a traditional wild source and local process.
United StatesZa'atar is a star…
In olive oil/yogurt w/a nice bread … delicious Soon to be used on roast chicken.. somehow, I don’t think I’ll be disappointed ;) Burlap&Barrel crew.. I’ve ordered a lot of stuff, but haven’t reviewed formally. The spices you’ve been offering are just stunning! Thank you for some of the best customer service I’ve experienced … attention to details
United StatesIncredible, versatile spice
One of the most beautiful spices in my collection. You can just pop the lid, take a deep inhale, and bask in the fragrance. This is not really a shaker spice, due to the freshness of the herbs, it can almost look like it’s clumping (but it’s not). Just to say, I use small spoons to extract the spice from the jar, rather than shaking it over things. Favourite ways to use this include whisked together with olive oil for a dipping or drizzling, sprinkling over rice and really any carb, or mixing with plain cashew yogurt with a little pinch of salt and some citrus juice or vinegar for a fragrant and unique savoury, creamy sauce. Highly recommended! I love that it supports Palestinian farmers.
United StatesBest spices
Buying spices from Burlap and Barrel is like entering a whole new world of spices! If you’re used to the dull spices in the grocery store, you will be amazed at how these spices feel alive. The Za’atar is amazing. I used it in Ottolenghi-Tamimi Jerusulem recipe Roasted butternut squash & red onion with tahini & za’atar and it was so much better than any other za’atar that I’ve used.
United StatesDelicious!
I'm using this on everything.
United Statesza'atar for all
a really nice fresh tasting blend. for a great cross-cultural experience try it mixed with a good olive oil and spread on a toasted bagel !
United StatesZa 'atar
Wonderful. No fillers like other brands I've tried.
United StatesExcellent za'atar (waited almost a year for this to be released). Fragrant, green, and goes well with everything. Definitely worth the buy-and to support Palestinian farmers!
FREQUENTLY BOUGHT TOGETHER
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