Unusual Culinary Herbs: Zatar

Zatar (Thymbra spicata) is not an herb that you will commonly find growing in herb gardens across the United States. Most of the plants that you will find have come from the Middle East; i.e., Lebanon and Syria, where it is a popular culinary herb.

Zatar is a member of the mint family; however, it is not quite as hardy as its cousins, needing to be protected in areas with harsh winters. (You might even consider bringing it indoors during the winter months.) The appearance of this herb reminds me of a weird cross between rosemary and lavender with smooth lance-shaped leaves and pink tubular flowers that have an upper lip on the bloom that is larger than the lower.

This native of the Middle East (from Greece to Israel) is frequently used in Arabic and North African cooking. With a flavor similar to a very hearty thyme, zatar lends itself to a wide variety of dishes. Of course, it can be used with beef, poultry, and fish. Numerous vegetables -- beans, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, potatoes, and squash, just to name a few -- can benefit from the addition of zatar. It is also used in bread and couscous, as well as in soups and sauces. A dip for bread is made with zatar, sesame seeds, sumac, salt, and olive oil and is a favorite in Lebanese cuisine. (You can also spread this mixture on bread, which is then baked in the oven.) One note: The herb zatar is often called za'atar in the Middle East and pronounced with three syllables rather than two.

Zatar can usually be found in Middle Eastern groceries and markets. If you cannot find any zatar for Middle Eastern cuisine, feel free to substitute thyme. (In fact, at some markets, thyme and even oregano may be presented as zatar. Be sure to verify that it is actually zatar that you are purchasing.)

If you decide that you want to grow your own zatar, you probably will not be able to find any at your local nursery or greenhouse. (If you live in a community with a large Lebanese element, for instance, you might be able to find a gardener willing to give you some cuttings.) Zatar can be grown from seed, thought, that can be found at some online seed companies. Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil. Remember, as mentioned at the beginning of this article, to provide winter protection.

References:

Kowalchik, Claire, and William H. Hylton, eds. Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1998.

MidEastWeb: Middle Eastern Recipes