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August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Everyday Life • Food & Drink

Za'atar

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern term that refers both to a family of herbs and to a spice blend made from dried herbs, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Za'atar is a Middle Eastern herb name and a spice blend. It typically includes dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.

Definition

Za'atar refers both to a family of wild herbs and to a prepared spice blend. In cooking, the term almost always means the mix: dried thyme or oregano, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt.

Ingredients and regional variation

The exact recipe varies across the Levant and by household. Common additions include marjoram, dill, cumin, coriander, or orange zest. Each version reflects local and family traditions.

Culinary uses

Za'atar is used as a finishing seasoning on flatbreads, vegetables, meats, and dips. It is often mixed with olive oil as a bread dip or sprinkled over labneh, hummus, and roasted dishes.

In short

  • Za'atar can mean a wild herb or a spice blend; the blend is more common.
  • Main ingredients are dried thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.
  • Regional recipes vary and may include cumin, dill, or orange zest.
  • Common uses: bread dip, seasoning for vegetables, meats, and dips.
Canadian angle

Za'atar is widely available in Canadian grocery stores, specialty spice shops, and Middle Eastern markets, and it is used in Canadian home cooking and restaurant menus.

Quick questions

What is za'atar?
Za'atar is both a Middle Eastern herb name and a spice blend. The blend usually contains dried thyme or oregano, sumac, sesame seeds, and salt.
How to use za'atar?
Use it as a finishing seasoning on bread, labneh, hummus, roasted vegetables, chicken, fish, or potatoes. It is also commonly mixed with olive oil as a dip or spread.
What does za'atar taste like?
Za'atar tastes herbal, earthy, tangy, and nutty, with a slightly lemony or acidic note from sumac.

Sources

  1. Bon Appétit — https://www.bonappetit.com/story/what-is-zaatar
    Supports: General definition, common ingredients, regional variation, and flavor description.
  2. Merriam-Webster — https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/za'atar
    Supports: Dictionary definition of za'atar as a Middle Eastern spice blend.
  3. BBC Good Food — https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/glossary/zaatar-glossary
    Supports: Meaning of za'atar as both a herb and a spice mixture.
  4. Food Network — https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/what-is-zaatar
    Supports: Common ingredients, regional variation, and traditional herb association.
  5. Institute of Culinary Education — https://www.ice.edu/blog/what-is-zaatar-seasoning
    Supports: Ingredient list, historical context, and a basic recipe.
  6. Cambridge Dictionary — https://www.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/za-atar
    Supports: Definition as herbs and as a mixture used in Middle Eastern cooking.