Za’atar Combo
Za’atar Wreath - “Drop-In” Herb Bundle
Za’atar - Probably the best spice on the planet!
It’s Winter, the time for roasts and slow cooking, for getting warm and cozy by the fire with heart-warming foods full of aroma, for soups and baked goodies. Imagine if there were a herby blend that embodied these times. That went as well in the Roast Lamb marinade as it does with your morning scrambled eggs on toast. A blend like no other, distinctive and delightfully different… When cooking with your blend of herbs, guests always ask you ‘How do you do it, what is that amazing taste?’. With this herb blend, you can simply leave a pot out on the counter, ready to add instant nutrition and a herby zing to your meals with minimal effort.
Za’atar originates from the shores of the Eastern Mediterranean, from the countries collectively known as the Levant.. those being Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. Za’atar is a Levantine herb from the mint family and the name also refers to a versatile herb mix that we are delighted to introduce you to. The flavor of Za’atar is unmistakable once you have tried it. The main ingredients are Oregano, Marjoram, and Lemon Thyme.
The general recipe calls for equal amounts of each of these ingredients but as with all blends, a little more or a little less of one ingredient just brings a slightly different edge to your mixture and it is perfectly fine to work with what you have.
It is always better to use fresh herbs for their nutritional content but if you have to choose ready-dried herbs then look for high-quality, organic herbs where possible and go for the brightest colors as this demonstrates freshness and therefore better vitamin status.
If you would like to dry them - You can either leave them in the hot sun to dry if you have that option. Or you can dry them in a dehydrator at 40 degrees Celsius to retain the nutritional benefits of the plants. Alternatively, you can dry them in a conventional oven at a very low heat, ideally with a fan.
So you now have all your fresh or dried herbs. They are ready to blend when you can easily crumble the herbs between your fingers.
You will need a pestle and mortar, some enthusiasm, and maybe your favorite music to chop your herbs to. It’s really that simple. When you have your mixed, dried herb blend, transfer it to a container with a lid to store in the cupboard out of direct sunlight and use your very own, home-ground, healthy herb mix on anything and everything you can.. get creative and most of all enjoy it!
The best thing about preparing food freshly in your home, with whole plant ingredients is that you don’t enter into the whole processed food industry. There is no chance for any filler, additive, chemical, or anything artificial to find its way into your body. You know exactly what you are eating and that gives you control over your health. When you choose quality food which brings joy and health you are valuing yourself and those you love at the deepest level because we are the food we eat. We are worth the investment of our time and effort.
The health benefits of Za’atar ingredients:
Oregano
Well known among Naturopathic Doctors as one of the most medicinal plants on the planet. Oregano oil is used throughout natural medicine. It is antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It has a beautiful aromatic flavor. It is full of Vitamin K which is essential for healthy blood. Oregano is miraculous in that it inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut while other compounds in oregano enhance the proliferation of bacteria that are beneficial to our health. Oregano has a daily place in our diet and as with all plants, the fresher the plant, the better for your health.
Marjoram
This herb has been proven in research to be a potent antifungal. Sweet and a little bit spicy, Marjoram is a relative of oregano. Marjoram is native to the Mediterranean countries and was believed to enhance fertility and promote heart health. Ancient Greeks believed that placing Marjoram under the pillow at night could revive love. Marjoram is used in a number of different medicinal remedies including indigestion and relieving gas, as an expectorant for congestion on the chest and to combat nausea, being a member of the mint family.
Lemon Thyme
Full of compounds called phenols which are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Lemon Thyme is one of a number of plants like pine and lemon balm that give off a wonderful lemony fragrance, repellent to mosquitoes. Lemon Thyme is a great source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Manganese, great for immune support, circulation and allergy prevention.
Overall Za’atar is highly supportive of the immune system. It clears away pathogens before your immune system needs to get mobilized and in addition to that, it boosts the beneficial bacteria in the gut to further strengthen your immune system. It has health benefits from balancing hormones to regulating blood sugar; above all, it tastes great! No home or body can afford to be without a healthy homemade Za’atar herb blend!
This list is by no means exhaustive but here are some suggestions for using your Za’atar.
Mixed into Hummus
In oil with garlic on flatbread
Marinades for meat or vegetables
Mashed into butter for potatoes
As a dry rub on meat to roast
In stuffing
On roasted vegetables
On popcorn with sea salt
In salad dressings
In milk with butter to poach fish
In scrambled eggs
Sprinkle on grilled cheese sandwiches
On pizza
Mix with butter and garlic and chill in the fridge for herby chicken kievs.
Herby Marinade for 1kg Meat or Vegetables
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
4 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ cup Finely chopped Oregano, Marjoram and Lemon Thyme
2 cloves Finely chopped or crushed garlic
(always leave crushed garlic exposed to the air for 8 minutes before use to activate the medicinal compound allicin)
2 tbsp Lemon juice
Tbsp Sea Salt
1 tbsp Raw honey to taste - Optional
Instructions:
Mix the marinade ingredients well together and smother all over the meat and refrigerate. Times to leave to chill are as follows:
Vegetables 30 minutes
Fish (Nonfatty) 30 minutes
Fish (Fatty) 60 minutes
Pork, Lamb, Beef, Chicken 8-24 hours
Za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that is made up of a mix of herbs, such as thyme, oregano, and marjoram, as well as toasted sesame seeds and sumac. One theory about the origins of za'atar is that it was originally used by ancient Egyptians as a medicinal herb. It was later adopted by the Greeks and Romans, who used it as a condiment and a seasoning for food.
Za'atar has become a staple spice blend and is commonly used as a seasoning for grilled meats. It can also be used to add flavor to vegetables and is often mixed with olive oil to create a flavorful marinade. Another popular use for za'atar is mixing the herbs with olive oil and spreading it over pita bread before baking, or it can be sprinkled over the top of freshly baked bread for added flavor.
Za'atar is also commonly used as a condiment in the Middle East. It is often mixed with olive oil and served as a dip for bread or vegetables. It is also sometimes used as a topping for hummus or other dips.
Za'atar is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. The herbs in za'atar, such as thyme and oregano, are high in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. The anti-inflammatory properties of za'atar may also be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body, which has been linked to a variety of health conditions, including arthritis and asthma. Za'atar is also thought to have immune-boosting effects. The herbs in za'atar, such as thyme and oregano, are believed to have antimicrobial properties, which may help to boost the immune system and protect against infections. The health benefits of za'atar don't stop there. The herbs in za'atar are also believed to have a positive effect on digestion and may help to reduce bloating and improve overall gut health. The toasted sesame seeds in za'atar are a good source of fiber, which can help to promote regular bowel movements and improve digestion. Overall, za'atar is a versatile and flavorful spice blend that has been used for centuries in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. It is a good source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, and may also have benefits for digestion and gut health. Whether you're using it as a seasoning for grilled meats, a condiment for dips, or a topping for bread, za'atar is a delicious and healthy addition to any meal.
