Green Zaatar at Pars Market in Columbia

  Za'atar (pronounced "zah-tar") is a Middle Eastern spice mix of thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seed, and sometimes wild oregano.

Arabic for the word "thyme," after the seasoning's predominant ingredient, za'atar has been used in Arabic countries since medieval times.

If you've eaten at Middle Eastern restaurants, you'll probably recognize the flavor, which is pungent and grassy.

 Za'atar is used on meats and vegetables,  and it's also mixed with Olive oil which is often added to make a spreadable paste, It can be served with everything from flatbreads to eggs to vegetables.

Traditionally the Thyme is dried in the sun & mixed with Sun dried Sumac, Sesame Seed and Sea Salt. Containing a unique synergy of healing & medicinal properties that alert the mind and make the body strong, Zaatar is encouraged to be eaten by school kids before exams.

You can find this spice blend at the best quality in market at Pars Market Or, if you can find Sumac (also available at Pars Market), you can make your own Za'atar using equal parts Dried thyme, toasted sesame seeds and sumac. Sprinkle Za'atar over fresh pita bread drizzled with olive oil.

The best way to enjoy Zaatar is to blend it with good quality cold pressed olive oil in a bowl to the consistency of pesto, and then whenever you feel like a hit, just stir the mixture and spread it on fresh or toasted bread and top it with fresh tomatoes, white cheeses, organic eggs or anything Mediterranean for that matter.

A final word of warning here, be careful as Zaatar is extremely addictive and once tasted your taste buds will never let you forget the experience. Enjoy!

 Related Link:

 http://parsmarketcolumbia.blogspot.com/2013/04/ras-el-hanout-moroccan-spice-and-recipe.html

http://parsmarketcolumbia.blogspot.com/2013/01/herbs-spices-at-pars-market.html

http://parsmarketcolumbia.blogspot.com/2013/04/marash-pepper-at-pars-market-columbia.html

 http://parsmarketcolumbia.blogspot.com/2013/03/sumac-on-haft-sin-and-nowrouz-table.html

 http://parsmarketcolumbia.blogspot.com/2013/05/turmeric-powder-history-and-benefits-at.html

  PARS MARKET LLC

9400 SNOWDEN RIVER PARKWAY Suite 109

COLUMBIA, MD, 21045

443-259-0002

http://www.parsmarketcolumbia.com

http://parsmarketcolumbia.blogspot.com