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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Great Product and Customer Care
I love my Burlap & Barrel spices! I am experimenting with those I’m not familiar with, and have been pleasantly surprised with them. Top quality and reasonable prices.Customer service is outstanding. I highly recommend!
United StatesDelicious
It's so fresh--hard to believe it's a jarred spice. Love it on roasted vegetables.
United StatesZa’atar
I used some of the wild za’atar spice along with other wonderful spices from Burlap and Barrel to create a dry rub for salmon. The flavors were perfect on the fish and I even used some of the dry rub on chick peas! Versatile, fresh and delicious!!!!
United StatesGreat!
I thought my homemade "zaatar" with thyme, sumac, and sesame was good. But this stuff is definitely a big improvement and more authentic!
United StatesDelicious but don't appreciate the political commentary in the description
Loved the blend. Not sure why there's political commentary/agenda in the description. I happen not to agree with it. (shipped to me as a gift with other spices - all were wonderful)
United Stateswonderful flavor
I love the unique flavor of this blend. The aroma is so wonderful--I could infuse it throughout the whole house if possible!
United StatesAlways perfect!
As the case with all of B&B gems, this is fragrant, flavorful and fantastic. As an aside, just received my spice club box and the desert hibiscus, oh, my, the color is stunning. Plan on getting more as gifts for friends!
United StatesVersatile seasoning
The Za"atar that I ordered is a nice, balanced blend of ingredients. It is not overly assertive but does make its presence known. The ingredients are clearly very fresh. I split the large bottle with my sister, and she thought it was really good. It is a versatile seasoning and can be used on a variety of foods. This is a blend that I would purchase again and would recommend to my friends.
