Zaatar (zaah-tur) is a Middle-Eastern herb-spice mixture. It boasts an enduring heritage in the Levant/East Mediterranean region as an essential kitchen table staple. It is a versatile condiment as well as a herbal seasoning and spice. It is an aromatic, zesty, tangy, lively, earthy, and a nutty herb and spice blend.

It is often enjoyed as dip with olive oil and bread, a topping on flat breads and salads, and a seasoning on many foods. Examples include bagel and cream cheese, yogurts, salads, roasted vegetable, eggs, meats, fruit, popcorn, and others. The mainstay ingredients of an authentic zaatar the mix, include 1) the ground Zaatar herb, also referred to as wild thyme or Syrian oregano with the scientific name of Origanum Syriacum and is native to the Middle-East and is believed to be the same Hyssop herb plant in biblical references.

The zaatar herb combines earthy flavors from thyme, oregano, marjoram, and savory with a peppery finish 2) Sumac powder spice (lemony but without the acidity), and 3) sesame seeds roasted (nutty, crunchy) 4) optional pinch of sea salt. The texture of an authentic mix should not be that of a fine spice powder, but more course, herbal, fluffy and free flowing, and somewhat nutty from freshly roasted sesame seeds.