Za’atar, pronounced “zaa tur,” is also spelled zaatar, za’tar, zahtar, and zahatar.
This Middle Eastern spice blend is used all over the globe, popularly in North Africa and Turkey. Za’atar has been used to identify both a spice blend and a class of herbs. What exactly is Za’atar, then? It’s a wild herb, a condiment, a dip, and a spice.
Za’atar is an ancient cultural spice blend that serves as a unique identifying culinary aspect of several countries throughout the Middle East. Much like other blends, this is one that is usually specific to each family, but there are some common ingredients in all of them. Each nation that has a version of Za’atar insists that theirs is the truest and best version, but we think that’s a matter of personal preference.
