What is za'atar? A field guide to the blend
By Omar Khalil · Jul 19, 2026 · 5 min readZa'atar is both a herb and a blend. The mix — dried wild thyme, sumac, toasted sesame and salt — varies by region, and Palestinian blends lean greener and more herbal.
How to use it
The classic breakfast is bread dipped in olive oil, then in za'atar. Beyond that, dust it over labneh, roasted vegetables, eggs or chicken before grilling.
Choosing a blend
Look at the colour: a deep green means more thyme, a redder tone means more sumac. Sesame should look whole, not powdery. Store it away from light and it keeps its aroma for months.
Souqio tipSofra Palestinian Zaatar 250g is our most reordered spice — one jar covers about six weeks of daily breakfasts.
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