Za'atar
Za'atar refers to both a wild herb related to thyme and oregano, and the iconic spice blend made from it — dried thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. Mixed with olive oil, it's used for dipping bread, topping manakish, and seasoning meats and vegetables. This guide covers the different styles, how to use it, and where to buy it near you.
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A milder, herb-forward blend with less sumac — the most common style found in US Middle Eastern grocery stores.
Often earthier and more sumac-forward, sometimes with added marjoram or caraway depending on the region and family recipe.
Flatbread topped with a za'atar-and-olive-oil paste and baked — one of the most popular ways to eat za'atar, sold fresh or frozen at many Middle Eastern bakeries and grocers.
Al Wadi, Cortas, and various house-blended bulk options are widely available at Middle Eastern and Mediterranean grocers.
Mix with olive oil for bread dipping, sprinkle over hummus or labneh, rub onto chicken or fish before roasting, or use as a manakish topping.
Dried thyme (or the wild za'atar herb), sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt — ratios vary widely by region and brand.
Look for a vibrant green color with visible sesame seeds — a dull, brownish blend usually means the herbs are stale.
Keep in an airtight container away from light and heat; the sesame seeds' oils mean za'atar loses freshness faster than most dried spice blends.
Middle Eastern and Mediterranean grocery stores stock za'atar in the spice or bread aisle, often in bulk or in labeled bags from brands like Al Wadi and Cortas. See our Middle Eastern Grocery Stores Near Me directory to find one nearby.
Sumac is a single tart, red spice made from dried berries, and it's one ingredient within za'atar, which is a blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt. See our Sumac guide for more detail.
The simplest way is mixing it with olive oil and dipping bread. It's also sprinkled on hummus, roasted vegetables, eggs, and used as a topping for manakish flatbread.
No — za'atar is savory, herby, and slightly tangy from the sumac, without any heat.
Yes — combine dried thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt to taste. Many home cooks adjust the ratio based on family preference.