Hands down, one of my most favourite snacks that goes great with pretty much anything you pair it with – I myself am partial to za’atar with fried eggs, bread and some freshly cut tomatoes on the side.

Though I’m pretty certain many of you are already familiar with this insanely delicious spice blend, I still found it surprising that I have yet to cover it on this blog post. Yes, it’s delicious and we all love it. But, how many of us actually know what it’s made of? And, did you know that in addition to being so yummy, it is also super healthy? And not to mention, an excellent brain-food! And with most of us coming off summer vacations and have kids going back to school, let’s face it, a little extra brain-food is exactly what we need.

So, let’s start with the ‘what’ –

What is Za’atar?

Za’atar is a fragrant and flavourful spice blend that is a huge staple in the Levant region, but has, over the years grown in popularity across the Middle East. Though the precise ingredients may vary slightly, depending on where you are in the region, za’atar mainly consists of dried oregano, ground sumac, thyme (or marjoram) and toasted sesame seeds. Given the abundance of what is essentially power foods that exist in a single serving of za’atar, the fact that it is so good for you comes as no surprise.

This brings us to our next list of facts; the health benefits of za’atar…

8 Reasons why Za’atar is Good for you & how to Incorporate it into your Diet

1. Sumac; though one of the lesser known ingredients of za’atar, sumac’s antioxidant properties are useful in helping the body fight off inflammation, as well as other ailments and life-threatening illnesses.
2. Thyme & Oregano; both of which have excellent antiseptic benefits and are effective against various types of fungus and bacteria. Thyme is also beneficial for patients suffering from respiratory issues, such as bronchitis, asthma and allergies.
3. Brain Food; Though there isn’t enough evidence out there to verify this, Za’atar is renowned for its brain boosting and mood enhancing abilities.
4. Increased Energy; due to the high concentration of plant-based properties found in za’atar, it makes for a powerful energy and metabolism booster.
5. Improved Sleep; due to za’atar’s high magnesium content, which allows for more restful sleep, and in turn helping you feel more energized to face the day ahead.
6. Stronger Bones; a commonality between the herbs in a za’atar mix is the minerals, and between the high concentration of iron, calcium, copper, and magnesium, za’atar can have a significant impact on bone health and helping you ward off diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis as you age.
7. Improved Circulation; due to the high content of iron, za’atar can help improve the circulation of oxygenated blood throughout the body.
8. Improved Skin; due to the anti-inflammatory properties of this spice mix, za’atar is very effective in improving the overall appearance of your skin, as well as helping with wound healing, and even reducing imperfections such as age-spots and blemishes.

Now moving on to the ‘how’ –

How is za’atar used? And how can we incorporate it into our diets?

1. Sprinkle them over your salad or just add 1 – 2 teaspoons to your salad dressing.
2. Sprinkle them over your eggs in the morning for a little extra boost
3. Use them as seasoning for chicken or fish.
4. Sprinkle over bread, with a drizzle of olive oil
5. Use it to make tea

Feel free to share with us any tips and ideas on how else to utilise this delicious blend! And check out yufeed for some delicious za’atar-related recipes.