Zaatar giveaway
October 2, 2012 • Category: Main Dish
I can safely say that one of the foods that a Lebanese would miss the most when outside of Lebanon is zaatar; not just any zaatar. Zaatar that was foraged by a relative or friend, dried properly for weeks, ground and mixed with the right amount of sumac and sesame and salt.
Sure, zaatar is available in stores worldwide now; but commercial zaatar is never the same as the one made by trusted hands. For one thing, commercial zaatar contains twigs; artisan zaatar only contains the leaves of the plant. Big difference.
This zaatar is produced in South Lebanon and I had the privilege to meet the man, Abu Kassem, who grows it in his fields. The story is related in a previous post. To my knowledge, his zaatar is not available in stores outside of Lebanon. It has an organic certification and is as close to homemade as you will get.
Just leave a comment on this post and at the end of the month I will draw a number and ship this package of zaatar to the recipient anywhere on planet Earth.
Comments
190 Comments • Comments Feed
Sonja says:
What a wonderful giveaway – I would LOVE this!
On October 2, 2012 at 9:23 am
Rami El Mawed says:
I would love to try Abu Kassem’s zaatar if this offer is still available. Seeing the article in 2017, I know it’s a long shot but good Zaatar is scarce. It’s worth the shot.
On December 3, 2017 at 5:20 am
Melinda says:
Oh, my! How I would love some! Delight! And for those of us not lucky enough to win–does he ship?
On October 2, 2012 at 9:23 am
Joumana says:
@Melinda: I don’t know. I will ask him if I can locate him at Souk el Tayeb next week! Remind me if I forget! 🙂
On October 2, 2012 at 9:26 am
Blaine says:
I love Zataar!!!!
On October 2, 2012 at 9:29 am
Ziad says:
One of my favorite ways of eating zaatar is dipping a cucumber in a bowl of za3ater w’zeit or dusting zaatar on heirloom or creole tomatoes and drizzling them with EVOO
On October 2, 2012 at 9:30 am
Aranka says:
First off all, love your website and recipes. I am very fond of the Lebanese cuisine and enjoy it, homemade, regulary. Zaatar is something I use quite often , I became fan of it through a friend of my whom has visited Libanon and she brought back some zaatar.
Because I must eat low sodium (because of a kidney disease) I´am always looking for new and great flavours to give my food a kick, and although zaatar contains salt, it´s not a huge amount so perfectly suitable for my food.
Good luck with the competition and keep on writing your lovely recipes!
On October 2, 2012 at 9:30 am
Joumana says:
@Aranka: Zaatar made by Abu Kassem is also available salt-free; I will look into it and if I can find it here in Beirut, and if I draw your number, I will send you the salt-free package. Thanks for the praise!
@Jannette: I will ask someone I know who may have the number to reach Abu Kassem and ask him. Keep posted!
On October 2, 2012 at 9:34 am
garry says:
i dream of tasting this just one more time before i die…….
On October 2, 2012 at 9:32 am
Dana says:
seconding Melinda’s ask for international shipping!
Cheers
On October 2, 2012 at 9:43 am
Evan says:
Zaatar is my favorite seasoning. This sounds so special!
On October 2, 2012 at 9:57 am
Amee says:
I enjoy your posts and recipes! What a treat to be able to sample some authentic seasoning!
On October 2, 2012 at 10:02 am
Uwe says:
Hi,
never tried Zatar, so it would be nice if a packet would reach my post box.
On October 2, 2012 at 10:15 am
Chrissy says:
The three things we always bring back from Beirut- za’atar, Al Rifai nuts, and good arak. Near impossible to find stateside. We also just ran out of said za’atar and are relying on the as-mentioned inferior version we must make do with from our local Lebanese grocery. Thanks for the giveaway!
On October 2, 2012 at 10:26 am
Samantha Angela says:
I would love to win this!
On October 2, 2012 at 10:30 am
Kim says:
I’ve never seen such an herb! From the packages you see around here (Canada) I always thought zaatar was just the name of a mix that contains thyme and oregano, not a plant on its own.
On October 2, 2012 at 10:33 am
anna says:
Comment left. Me want zaatar! my gallon-size ziploc bag of it has twigs and its kind of going stale.
On October 2, 2012 at 10:37 am
April says:
This sounds wonderful! I would love to try this. Thanks!
On October 2, 2012 at 10:39 am
Devrim says:
Dear Joumana,
I have been enjoying reading your blog for a while now, and its on my “pages I check everyday”. It actually even is one of the blogs that makes me think of starting my own. I very much like the way you put pictures and little everyday stories together.
On Zaatar: I’ve first tried it in Palestine as a teenager where I spent two weeks with a family during youth exchange program. I liked it very much back then and the family packed me some to bring back home (to Germany) eversince I haven’t eaten any.. that is 17 years ago.. Meanwhile I had asked a friend who went to Egypt to bring me some which she did.. But it did not make the way from Berlin to Luxembourg – yet..
Wow 🙂 how inspiring this Zaatar is 😉
Wish you a nice evening.
Devrim
On October 2, 2012 at 10:40 am
Sandra says:
Yes!!! love me some zaatar please.
Also love your website! Its my go to for recipes which are always a success 🙂
My mom’s recipes are always guesstimated measurements, a little bit of this, a pinch of that, and for someone who is just starting to cook lebanese food, i still didnt develop the experience my mom has.
So thank you and keep em coming 🙂
On October 2, 2012 at 10:41 am
Janet Bobbitt says:
My husband, who has Lebanese roots, makes zataar at home, but can never QUITE get the flavor that his native relatives can. He would be delighted to sample this!! Thank you!!
On October 2, 2012 at 10:47 am
Sawsan says:
You are totally right. There is a huge difference between commercial zaatar and something made by a relative or a friend.
A zaatar roll with a cup of tea is my idea of the perfect way to start the day
On October 2, 2012 at 10:50 am
jamalee abdelnour says:
would love to have some. i have your recipe for the dough from the sfeefa recipe. the oo flour is the best
On October 2, 2012 at 10:51 am
Kavey says:
Am not commenting to enter, as I have a big bag of the very same za’atar of my own. I just wanted to comment and say that we too shared a wonderful day by the Litani river with Abu Kassem and his family, and were shown how he grows and processes his za’atar mix. It was a wonderful day, one of our treasured experiences in Lebanon. I wrote about on my blog too, and our experiences were much like yours. 🙂
On October 2, 2012 at 11:20 am
Saboka says:
Hi, I’m not Lebanese but I share the passion . Usually we go to Lebanon 4 times a year 2 of them are for moanah مونه zaatar , sumac , jams . Olive oil and more . Would love to win .
On October 2, 2012 at 11:24 am
Kai says:
This zaatar looks beautiful!
On October 2, 2012 at 11:28 am
Isolde says:
Chances are that I have never tasted food seasoned with zaatar, but one thing is for sure, I love Lebanese cooking!
On October 2, 2012 at 11:30 am
Lee says:
Would love to enter the draw. Please let us know if he does ship internationally.
On October 2, 2012 at 11:35 am
calli says:
You have one of the best cooking blogs . Well done!
On October 2, 2012 at 11:49 am
Ghadah says:
Zaatar is one of our must-have pantry items with mint and sage.
On October 2, 2012 at 11:53 am
Ryan Haddad says:
I’d love to have some! Thanks for sharing.
On October 2, 2012 at 11:56 am
Hiba says:
I would love to make mana’eesh with this! What a great giveaway! Thanks!
-hiba
On October 2, 2012 at 12:00 pm
Michael Kplus says:
Thanks Joumana, I first heard of Za’atar (I just love the name) when I got Tony Hill’s Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices and I tried the Syrian version given in his book. I am glad it becomes more and more popular and that some chefs have tried to create their interpretation. I just love a sandwich with avocado and sprinkle za’atar on it and finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
On October 2, 2012 at 12:09 pm
Mariana says:
i would really love to try some…
On October 2, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Nayla says:
Great giveaway! I miss really good zaatar. Love your website and recipes, by the way.
On October 2, 2012 at 12:21 pm
Eric says:
I’ve made it a few times in my San Francisco kitchen, now, but you know… I’ve never tried the real thing. Just sayin’…
On October 2, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Stelio Mamatis says:
Joumana ahlein! I’d love a pack of this zaatar even if I have to pay for it by transferring the price into your account. Please follow up. Thanks wa shukran jazeelan.
On October 2, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Lauren says:
I love Zaatar so much! this is an amazing giveaway!!!
On October 2, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Carol says:
I’ve been making a za’taar blend (inspired by your postings) for my friend’s Egyptian restaurant here in Santa Fe, NM. I’m enjoying experimenting with various versions of it, and would LOVE to be able to experience the real thing.
On October 2, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Amira says:
I’ll never forget my husband bringing some zaatar home as a surprise when he happened to stumble on some while we were living in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Or the first time I tried it on an early morning on the Arab side of Jerusalem. There is nothing quite like good zaatar.
On October 2, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Sanna says:
I’ve been to Beirut once, and it’s a trip I will carry in my heart forever. Reading your blog, I can almost smell the ka’ak and zaatar and the wonderful tabbouleh… God, how I miss those flavors. (Living in Sweden and haven’t found zaatar here yet).
On October 2, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Jannette says:
I never have been lucky winning in a lottery. Can I order the zaatar with Mr Abu Kassem? I cannot find any zaátar in the Netherlands, I bought it once in France.
On October 2, 2012 at 1:55 pm
va says:
I love zataar on lebanese and even indian rotis . It tastes good and is very healthy . thanks
I am always liking your posts on bloglovin from time to time .
tumblemumbo at gmail dot com
On October 2, 2012 at 2:11 pm
Robyn Kalajian says:
Even though I am of Armenian descent, zaatar is something I’ve only recently been introduced to. Unfortunately, all I can find near my home (South Florida) is the commercial variety – and as you mentioned- containing twigs (and who knows what else!) To sample homegrown/homemade zaatar would be a dream-come-true.
On October 2, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Nancy says:
We love to eat Zataar specially winter time.. the one’s from Lebanon are the best..
On October 2, 2012 at 2:41 pm
Theresa Gebrail says:
Pick me! Pick me! Zaatar is my favourite comfort food.
On October 2, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Beata says:
I’ve heard this name a few times before and I really wish I could try it one day with just taken from the oven pita bread spreading its smell all around my kitchen. Also my dream is to visit Lebanon someday and enjoy of all those tastes that I am reading about.
On October 2, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Mehrdad says:
This is lovely. Please encourage Abu Kassem to sell his products on-line.
On October 2, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Sara says:
Hello! I love zaatar almost as much as I love your blog! It makes me homesick for my Lebanese Armenian grandmother. I made your pasta with yogurt sauce last night and it was delicious.
On October 2, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Dana says:
What a fun giveaway!
It will be an honor for the person who wins!
On October 2, 2012 at 4:43 pm
kelly k. says:
i love zaatar! love it on pita spread with lebne and sprinkled with zaatar and olive oil. so yummy!
On October 2, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Judi says:
I love zaatar, I don’t think I have ever experienced the real deal so it would be wonderful to win some….yum. I LOVE your blog I have Lebanese roots ( grandparents from Lebanon) my heritage has been watered down over time and recipes lost, I am trying to reignite the food, culture and traditions my mother experienced as a child so i can pass on the love for the culture to my granddaughter. Thank you for your guidance and recipes!
On October 2, 2012 at 5:59 pm
Liz says:
What a great give away! I haven’t had true zaatar since being in the mid-east and that was a while ago. I would also be interested to know if he ships. Thank you.
On October 2, 2012 at 6:02 pm
Belinda @zomppa says:
This is the real deal! What a beautiful thing.
On October 2, 2012 at 7:04 pm
Natalie says:
That looks amazing. Love your blog!
On October 2, 2012 at 7:05 pm
kristen says:
Never knew about this herb until i read yr post about it. Would really love to win this very diverse herb and use it in my recipes.
Would love to win this!!
On October 2, 2012 at 7:07 pm
kim says:
Would love this on my pita 🙂
On October 2, 2012 at 8:12 pm
usha says:
I dream zaatar dreams.
On October 2, 2012 at 8:39 pm
julesclaire says:
Love your blog! I sprinkle zataar on my scrambled eggs all the time. Love it on yogurt with pita, too. Zataar tastes like the Middle East!
On October 2, 2012 at 8:44 pm
Hindy says:
Oooh Za’atar is one of my favorite spices! This looks fantastic – would love to win!
On October 2, 2012 at 8:59 pm
sue says:
How exciting! I would love to have some authentic zaatar. My daughter spent the summer in Palestine and brought back a few branches in her suitcase, and they were wonderful. This is a fun giveaway!
On October 2, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Carrie says:
I love zaatar (and your recipes)!
On October 2, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Sofie T. says:
Love this seasoning!
On October 2, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Hillary says:
Za’atar is so useful for brightening so many dishes. I would love to try this version!
On October 2, 2012 at 10:14 pm
Ranee @ Arabianknits says:
Oh! I would love to win this! We eat za’atar on lots of stuff here, even tuna sandwiches.
On October 2, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Georgianna says:
“Real Zaatar” would be a very special treat. Thank you for this fantastic website.
On October 3, 2012 at 12:15 am
Amado Rafael Gemeil says:
Hi! Joumana, I was surfing the net for a zaatar recipe to make it myself and look what I found, what a nice surprise! I love your blog and is in my favorites list already.
I’m a cuban born with a lebanese ancestry (3 lebanese grandparents) and I live in Miami Beach, FL since 1980.
Since I was a child, cooking had been a passion for me.
My grandma Josefina Gemeil (originally Gemayel from Bikfaya) was always in the kitchen of the old house and I still feel the smell of fresh chopped mint, parsley and onion for the tabbouleh, the recently boiled milk for the labneh, pumpkin fatayer (still looking for that recipe) and so many other little things that used to make her kitchen so unique and mysterious for me. I also remember the long table where we all seat 3 times a day, my parents, my sister, cousins, uncles and of course Grandma and Grandpa. Those were great family times!
Well, is 2 o’clok in the morning and I’m going to bed because I’m getting hungry, I hope you post the recipe for Abu Kassem’s zaatar mix if you have it.
Thank you for your wonderfull blog and “hasta la vista!”
Amado
On October 3, 2012 at 12:16 am
Shirley says:
Love za’atar – especially on pita smeared with Lebneh, on eggs, Manakeesh (yum) – never had the real thing – would be wonderful to win the authentic. I’ve disclovered so much about Lebanon and Lebaneses foods from you on facebook. Don’t know how we got to be friends on facebook – but I’m happy that we did. Thank you.
On October 3, 2012 at 12:16 am
Annabelle says:
Zaatar is one of my favorite things and I would love the chance to try non-industrial version of it!!
On October 3, 2012 at 12:54 am
Eman Abdelrahman says:
I love Zaatar, specially the Lebanese one, ever since I tasted it in 2009!
I don’t share in such things very often, but this time I wish to win 😀
On October 3, 2012 at 2:14 am
Nuts about food says:
I have never been to Lebanon and have only had Lebanese food in restaurants but did try my hand at making Zaatar last year, and although it was definitely as good as a traditional homemade Lebanese one or even close to this packaged one, it was nice to bring a Lebanese touch to our table.
On October 3, 2012 at 2:15 am
St.Ar. says:
Our supply from Lebanon is running low! This would be great to receive. I always send a little home with friends when they mention how much the love it. I hope I win!!!!
On October 3, 2012 at 4:17 am
Silvia says:
I’ll take this opportunity to thank you for the lovely informational posts and recipes you shared, i’ve already used some of them for inspiration and have quite a few waiting to be tried out! And also for the great initiative of the zaatar giveaway, so a double thank-you is in order! Cheers!
On October 3, 2012 at 4:23 am
Nancy says:
aaah! I love Za’atar! There is a joke in my house that kale and za’atar goes into EVERYTHING that i cook. I actually just enjoyed za’atar and rye crackers for breakfast this morning…Thanks for the lovely blog, I thoroughly enjoy it!
On October 3, 2012 at 5:15 am
Jill Karram says:
I love your blog! Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipes. I love zaatar and am always searching for good zaatar!
On October 3, 2012 at 5:48 am
Ilona says:
Thank you for this giveaway! And for your recipes, too!
On October 3, 2012 at 6:16 am
Fi says:
Ooh I would love to win some authentic zaatar! *crosses fingers* 🙂
On October 3, 2012 at 6:42 am
Xien says:
I have been trying to make my own all the way over here is Australia! I would love to try the real deal 🙂
On October 3, 2012 at 6:44 am
Dee says:
It would be wonderful to sample the real thing.
On October 3, 2012 at 6:51 am
Chocolatesa says:
I would love to try some artisan zaatar from Lebanon! I’ve bought some from middle-eastern stores around here but it was uninspiring.
On October 3, 2012 at 7:18 am
Linda says:
Love your blog. You have posted some fantastic recipes.Would love to have some of this zaatar. Thanks.
On October 3, 2012 at 7:30 am
Isabela Duta says:
Now, this is something to wish for…Lebanese cuisine is top notch for me and my family and we always love to try new things…
On October 3, 2012 at 7:47 am
Ed Habib says:
The Zaatar I have that was brought back from Lebanon by a friend on his last trip home is almost gone. When I saw the first post about Abu Kaseem I wished I had access to his product.
On October 3, 2012 at 7:53 am
mac says:
I’ve never had the “real deal”. I make my own using home grown thyme as a substitute.
thanks for the chance!
mac
On October 3, 2012 at 9:14 am
Abla Basstt says:
I am from the south of Lebanon living in Canada. I love the zataar my mother used to make. It is a staple in our diet still today. I love your website. You make things very interesting and your stories are well written. Thank you.
On October 3, 2012 at 9:44 am
Rachel says:
I have friends that have lived in Africa and France and they reminisce about eating bread with Zaatar. I would love to be able to try it and share with them.
On October 3, 2012 at 9:47 am
Rose Makouf says:
Yummmm, zaatar!!! Soboh, dohor w3ashieh!!! Wel li la badda tkoun zakieh!
On October 3, 2012 at 10:03 am
Leila Bassett says:
My mom told me about your website and I am so glad she did. You share such great information in your stories, things I never knew and help keep our culture alive. Thank you for all the work you do on your site, for the great recipes and information.
On October 3, 2012 at 10:28 am
marie says:
Du zaatar je connais et j’adore.
J’ai peut-être une chance de le voir arriver chez moi en France…
On October 3, 2012 at 11:11 am
marie says:
Zaatar je connais et j’adore.
J’ai peut-être une chance de le voir arriver chez moi en France…
On October 3, 2012 at 11:12 am
Sarah G says:
This looks fantastic. I love za’atar but have never had something like this.
On October 3, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Dunia says:
Jnoubi (from the south) zaatar always the best! thank you for this post! Great!! Cheers from Brazil!!
On October 3, 2012 at 1:54 pm
Tracy Butler says:
I love spices and herbs of all kinds, but until I read your post, I had never heard of zaatar. Cooking, experimenting with and tasting something new would be such a thrill – who knows what zaatar could do to my home cooking?
On October 3, 2012 at 3:47 pm
Su says:
Lovely green zaatar.
On October 3, 2012 at 5:14 pm
maral says:
nothing would make my husband happier than zaater from Lebanon!Pick me pick me 🙂
On October 3, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Nicole M says:
I have just discovered a passion for the beauty and simplicity of Lebanese cuisine in the past 18 months. I spend a lot of time cooking, researching and eating this wonderful food. I stumbled on this site searching for would you believe a zaatar recipe, what a delight I know I will have lots more hours enjoying and sharing your passion! I would love to try Abu Kassem’s amazingly delicious looking and sounding recipe!
Thank you.
On October 3, 2012 at 11:29 pm
PJ says:
Hi Joumana,ever since I saw Zaatar in your blog, I have been looking out for them, but it is not available where I live. I would love to win this giveaway and use it in the recipes from your blog.Keeping my fingers crossed 🙂
On October 3, 2012 at 11:46 pm
Judy says:
I’ve been mixing my own zaatar and would love to have the real deal!!
On October 4, 2012 at 12:40 am
Chryssa Nanou says:
I’m Greek and so glad to read your blog, it makes me feel curious about Lebanon. Herbs and spices are among the things that we share in our Mediterranean neighborhood as a part of our common cultural heritage.
On October 4, 2012 at 2:46 am
Sally - My Custard P says:
I was lucky enough to taste a wild zaatar salad picked freshly from the mountains where we were walking while I was in Lebanon. The taste is unique. I’d love to rekindle the memories….
On October 4, 2012 at 2:57 am
Tony Flaanagan says:
It is Spring in Johannesburg, the Thyme and Oregano a thriving in the garden. Maroun is organising a Khouri/Sham get together Sunday next week. I am honoured to be deputy Chef. By chance yesterday I found some Sumac in Thrupps. Thanks for the idea of drying the herbs first to make eliminating twigs easier. Oregano is OK, but Thyme – Eish!
On October 4, 2012 at 3:39 am
Amelia says:
A perfect giveaway idea! I bought some zaatar a few years ago when visiting Lebanon, but ran out quickly. What a treat it would be to get some once again!
Ps. Love your blog! 🙂
On October 4, 2012 at 7:27 am
Nana Nielsen says:
I just finished the last zaatar i bought in Syria, i don’t know if the lebanese tastes the same, but i bought som here in Denmark and it was so disappointing 🙁
Hope to win!
On October 4, 2012 at 8:43 am
Aesha says:
I would love to get this package of zaatar, I would treat it better than my most expensive gold!! Love the stuff for breakfast with feta cheese, tomatoes and olive oil…. mmmmmmmmm!! Good Luck all!!
On October 4, 2012 at 8:44 am
Kristin says:
I would love some!
On October 4, 2012 at 11:05 am
Oui, Chef says:
Oh my…I only have about 1/2 cup left of the zaatar my brother-in-law brought back from Lebanon last year. I’ve yet to find any sold here in the States that can compare, and would be so thrilled to win this delicious prize.
On October 4, 2012 at 11:24 am
Paul P says:
Hi Joumana,
would loooooove to win the Zatar :-)))
Fave recipe so far is : Tomatoes with sumac dressing
Simple but amazing !
Keep up the great blog.
Paul
On October 4, 2012 at 12:14 pm
Emily Munday says:
Hello! I am a huge fan of your blog and drool over your posts regularly. I would absolutely love to try this special Lebanese zaatar! My fiance’s family is from Jordan, so I’m always interested in learning how I can incorporate traditional ingredients and cooking techniques into our meals. Thanks for the giveaway 🙂
On October 4, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Radush says:
don’t we all <3 zaatar?:)
On October 4, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Murasaki Shikibu says:
I have been looking for this in my area with no luck!
On October 4, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Mira says:
Hi Joumana,
I would love to win the zaatar. Been doing some research about it lately and ur previous post was at the right time. I heard zaatar baladi that’s made with the little florets added to the leaves tastes better. On another note, do u have any idea how Jordanian zaatar is made?
On October 4, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Joumana says:
@Mira: All I have been told is that Jordanian zaatar is different from the Lebanese one; apparently there are 133 varieties of zaatar in the region; in the Shouf alone, there were 6 varieties found. The zaatar baladi uses the little leaves and it is delicious, does not need to be ground like the other type of zaatar which is dried and ground then mixed with sumac.
@Emily: Thanks for the praise!
On October 6, 2012 at 12:47 pm
Susan says:
Look how many people would love to try these wonderful specialty herb! Even though I am #108, I will still keep my fingers crossed 😉 I have seen so many delicious recipes here where you have used it.
On October 4, 2012 at 5:30 pm
jo says:
Delicious addictive zaatar please be mine!
On October 4, 2012 at 5:53 pm
VEB says:
I first realized the deliciousness of zaatar in Istanbul, alongside a shepherd’s salad. I learned about zaatar and sumac that day, and my cooking has never been the same since.
On October 4, 2012 at 7:06 pm
Dali says:
I would love to try this authentic zaatar so I could see what it should really taste like… And then be sad when I use it all up and have to buy the normal stuff they sell in the market….:)
On October 4, 2012 at 7:29 pm
D says:
زَعْتَر
On October 5, 2012 at 1:20 am
Angie@Angiesrecipes says:
Zaatar is completely new to me. I would love to give it a try!
On October 5, 2012 at 8:48 am
Rasmus says:
Genuine zaatar is not sold where I live so I have never had a chance to taste the proper herb. I make a version using regular thyme instead, which is really awesome, but I bet the real one tastes even better!
On October 5, 2012 at 9:48 am
Ruth says:
Love za’atar so much–got some for a xmas present a few years ago, have been scouring local shops for more ever since. I’ve even been thinking about learning to make my own; sumac grows wild where I live–I keep eyeing the berries, but I’m afraid I have no idea how to properly harvest or dry them.
On October 5, 2012 at 10:13 am
Michelle says:
Oh how fun!! What a great give-away. I’d love to try it!
On October 5, 2012 at 4:34 pm
Jackson says:
I can find commercial zaatar where I live, but I’m sure this is so much better.
On October 5, 2012 at 7:19 pm
foodforarchitects says:
I’ve never had real zaatar before, I’d love to taste it!
On October 6, 2012 at 12:34 pm
sare says:
Great! It’s one of the perfect dish in my braekfast one bowl zaatar and the other one is olive oil and fresh pide- a kind of pita. Yummy.
On October 6, 2012 at 12:56 pm
Jack says:
a real treat! my girlfriend is armenian-lebanese and would absolutely love to get her hands on some proper stuff! I would love some. great blog btw thank you 🙂
On October 6, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Kiymet says:
So hard to get propere zaatar in the Netherlands soooo I would be very happy to win some☺
On October 7, 2012 at 3:29 am
Anna says:
I just discovered your blog thanks to StumbleUpon…. I love your blog and hope to test some of your recipes.
And I’d love to have real zaatar to try your recipes!
best regards from vienna, Anna
On October 7, 2012 at 7:17 am
Jay says:
Looks great! we cook alot and would love the chance to win some. Thanks
On October 7, 2012 at 7:51 am
Brenda says:
Love Zaatar even when I have only try the commercial one.
Thanks for sharing your recipes with us.
On October 8, 2012 at 11:28 am
Beth says:
Oh how I would love some zaatar. I haven’t had it since I was a little girl when I stayed with my Lebanese grandmother. Rural east Texas is not a mecca for ethnic foods, so this would be my only way to get the real deal.
On October 8, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Vanita says:
Hi Joumana,
Its been a while since i wrote to you.I started my blog yesterday.
chefvaniskitchen@blogspot.com 🙂
I would love to get the special zatar.My daughter loves the zatar naan
with chicken shawarma.
Thanks for encouraging me to start my blog.My daughter Divya had been pushing me to start one and your encouraging words also helped 🙂
On October 9, 2012 at 9:53 am
Nour says:
mmm…would love some right now on pita bread!
On October 9, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Claire says:
Mmmmm z3tar (think homer simpson)
On October 9, 2012 at 1:42 pm
luz says:
Wow, that sounds freakin delicious. Hope I win.
On October 9, 2012 at 5:25 pm
johnny says:
Thank you so much for this post! I’d love to know how to order Abu Kassem’s zaatar. My mother’s family was from Blat, not so far from where he is. It would be a joy and honor have his zaatar on the kitchen table.
On October 10, 2012 at 3:21 am
Malcolm says:
If I don’t win, would you consider shipping some to me? I could pay by Paypal. I’d love to try this! Love your blog too …
On October 10, 2012 at 11:24 am
Paulette says:
I live in Stockholm, Sweden, and last time I visited Lebanon (just for 10 days) was summer 1997 quite long time ago. Your Mdardara recipe tasted the same as the one my mum used to do, yummy. I love Za3tar specially Mne2ich and Croissant b za3tar.
Hope I can win. Love ur recipes
On October 11, 2012 at 12:29 pm
Kees says:
I luv zaatar!
Your site is the best there is.
On October 13, 2012 at 1:09 am
Crystal E. says:
I love reading all the stories that accompany your recipes. I imagine that this zaatar would taste even better now that I can imagine the hands of the man who harvested it and turned it into something truely wonderful.
On October 14, 2012 at 10:58 am
Lisa says:
I would love to try this special zaatar! I love zaatar with oil on bread. So good! I just discovered your blog last week when doing research to find recipes that use ras el hanout. Thanks for the great ideas!
On October 14, 2012 at 1:39 pm
Simone says:
I would be so excited to try an authentic zaatar. Thank you so much for giving someone the opportunity!
Keep up the great site. Being vegetarian, I love how many delicious recipes are available.
On October 15, 2012 at 6:59 am
Jamile Sultan Shiraz says:
I have been living in the states for 35 years. I have always loved zaatar and will always do. Introduced it to many of my American and Persian friends and they just love it. Even my Swedish friend buys it on regular basis. My husband who is originally from Iran eats zaatar with everything. And my 2 boys, whenever they had a test in school they asked for manaouche bi zaatar. 🙂 I tought them right.
On October 16, 2012 at 10:24 am
David says:
I would love to try some Za’atar from “back home”. My Father always said it was so much better than the store bought.
On October 21, 2012 at 8:02 am
Emily says:
I have a serious love affair with za’atar! I have only had the kind from a local spice shop and it is delicious. I am betting, though, that the homemade blend is thousand times better. I would love to try it!
Also, I need to add that I really enjoy this blog. I have made several of the recipes for my family and they all tasted wonderful!
On October 21, 2012 at 9:37 pm
Talin Awidikian says:
We all loooooooove zaatar, it reminds me of my beloved country Lebanon 🙂
On October 22, 2012 at 10:19 am
Julie C says:
I would love the chance to taste something so special. Thanks as always for such a great site!
On October 23, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Katie says:
Mine is back home in CA right now.. and I really miss it when I cook!
On October 23, 2012 at 10:28 pm
dan moisa says:
Please tell me how I can buy this zaatar (I live in the UK).
Or give me a clue how to get a high quality zaatar from Internet.
Many thanks
Dan
On October 24, 2012 at 3:02 am
Julia says:
Wonderful giveaway! I would love to try this stuff. I have mainly just been using the commercial zaatar to make a sandwich with regular Lebanese bread or markouk, labneh, olive oil, mint, tomatoes and cucumbers..It is one of my favorite things to eat right now, and I imagine that using this homemade zaatar from Lebanon must take it to a whole other level. I love the writeup you did on Abu Kassem–He and his family sound like such amazing people.
On October 24, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Zillah says:
I would absolutely love this!
On October 27, 2012 at 1:06 pm
rafka says:
I have never had zaater before but I have purchased a small jar of it from SERRV. I will try it tonight. It smells so nice. But I do not think mine has sumac in it. There are no ingredient lists but it does not have any red color to it at all. All green. From Sindyanna of Galilee…?
On October 30, 2012 at 3:16 pm
Christine Sublett says:
I love zaatar. I fell in love with it when I first visited Lebanon three years ago. Nothing better than manoushi!
On November 1, 2012 at 10:14 am
Sara Mouallem says:
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm took me back to my childhood days when I lived in Damascus Syria.. those were the days when you can walk the streets, smell the freshly baked food and ask for your manaoushe hot straight from the stone oven … I miss not having it here in the UK and make my own with the tiny bit of Zaatar I have left 🙂
On November 4, 2012 at 7:46 pm
Maria says:
I loooove zaatar since I tried it first time in Palestine! I make zaatar bread with opposite to original proportions- thin crust and thick layer of zaatar.:-) Arabic cuisine is amazing, especially for Russians like me as we don’t use much spices in our food.
On November 7, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Kathy says:
I started a family cookbook when my nephew got married to give to his wife for a present. My sister in law, his mother, is Lebanese and she has supplied me with some of her family recipes to include in the book. One of them calls for Za’atar. I live in Nevada USA and they live in New York USA. I would love to get some of this if you are still doing the give away. I really would love to see what that bread tastes like with the proper ingredients.
On December 10, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Joumana says:
@kathy: I have already designated a winner for the giveaway; may I suggest checking online (there is a company called buylebanese.com among others), or in a middle-eastern grocery store?
On December 11, 2012 at 12:58 am
Kathleen Haboush says:
Thank you for having a wonderful website. I found an article about zaatar in the Aramco World magazine. It included an interview of the gentleman you mentioned and a lady who owns a wonderful middle eastern restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where I was born.
On December 26, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Malcolm says:
Hi there, a few months ago I asked if you would kindly send me some zaatar (I’d pay by Paypal). I think I’ve sorted postal issues out (I’m in KSA). Can we go ahead with this? I’d be very grateful … Regards, Malcolm
On January 2, 2013 at 9:25 am
Souzi Pirinjian says:
I can’t tell you enough how much I love your blog! I check it every day for new recipes and I’ve tried many of them and my family and friends love everything I’ve made! I should also say that my sister who is a novice computer user, loves your blog!
On January 7, 2013 at 10:39 am
Joumana says:
@Souzi: Thanks so much Souzi, you have made my day!
On January 7, 2013 at 11:47 am
dan moisa says:
Would you please tell me where/how to buy “zaatar giveaway”.Many thinks.
On February 5, 2013 at 11:17 am
Joumana says:
@dan moisa: I was offering zaatar in that giveaway to whomever would leave a comment on this post, with a deadline and the winner picked at random. I have already picked the winner and sent that person their zaatar. If you’d like zaatar, I suggest you check for purveyors online or find it at your Middle-Eastern grocery shop.
On February 5, 2013 at 11:19 am
laila haddad says:
Hi I love zaatar so yummy and healthy could you ship me one . And I have question could you ship me zaatar with pine seed that make at El Shouf Area in Lebanon
On April 17, 2013 at 12:01 am
Joumana says:
@Laila Haddad: Hello, Laila, this was a one-time giveaway; I don’t normally ship zaatar (at least not yet!); for zaatar, I would use any online service (al-rifai, buylebanese.com, etc); I am not affiliated with any of them, but I think they are very reliable. As far as the one with pine seeds, it is a seasonal product and is now no longer available in the Chouf Reserve; I did see it sold at TSC supermarkets, so maybe they have it and may ship it to you. Best of luck.
On April 17, 2013 at 12:16 am
april Atkinson says:
I own and run a Mediterranean-style bar in morpeth. I am currently looking at different ideas in which to diversify – my favourite is Lebanese cookery and have recently discovered sumac and zatar………. and living the new flavours on my palate! Thank you for your great website. good luck and good health!
On September 22, 2013 at 5:31 am
Joumana says:
@april Atkinson: Thank you and wishing you the best of luck 🙂
On March 25, 2015 at 11:46 am
Stephanie says:
Having just moved to Africa after having lived the last few years in Jordan, I will say that I have fallen in love with your website!! Thank you.
My husband will be making your zucchini pasta for our dinner tonight. 🙂
On September 30, 2013 at 9:56 am
Joumana says:
@Stephanie: You made my day! 🙂
On March 25, 2015 at 11:45 am
anatoli schtivelman says:
I can smell : its ZAATAR!
On March 25, 2015 at 2:50 am
Steph says:
This is one of my fav spice mixes
On July 5, 2015 at 11:58 pm
bonita says:
where might I purchase this, please?
On December 30, 2015 at 11:58 pm
Joumana says:
@bonita: zaatar can be purchased online or in any middle-eastern store. It comes in many versions.
On January 11, 2016 at 3:53 pm
Ghada Fniech says:
I am Lebanese living in the states growing up in Lebanon you take it for granted having good Zaatar all the time.
Til I moved her and had really hard time getting decent one
Not even that good
Would love to try some of that good Zaatar
On December 19, 2016 at 12:22 am
Khairul Amir says:
Do you mind sending me a sample of pure zaatar and looking forward for a big purchase of zaatar…
On April 27, 2017 at 12:52 pm
Joumana Accad says:
@Khairul Amir: The giveaway was expired a few years back. If you are interested in zaatar, there are many online sites that can supply it. I buy mine in Lebanon from a trusted source.
On May 28, 2017 at 7:13 pm
G C Malek says:
Most of the zaatar from many countries first ingredient is roasted wheat that is not the real thing.
We look always for zaatar with 4 ingredients:
Zaatar, sesame, sumac and salt
On August 15, 2017 at 2:53 am
Minnie Harvey says:
I would very much appreciate some of the Zaatar from your friend. I am not lebonese, but I had some of the best of women friends from Lebanon. They were all sisters and at the time of the wedding (where I met them) I came to appreciate this wonderful spice. And they saw to it that I went home with some and sent me more periodically. They are all gone now, but having trouble finding some that tastes and continued tasting as wonderful as theirs did. To see some here grown and combined by a “Zaatar master” is grand.
On October 7, 2017 at 6:42 pm
M. Damoni says:
Very pleased with your cooking instructions and would always read all new dishes.
My best
On December 31, 2017 at 3:58 am
Crina says:
Hi Joumana,
I’m Looking for a trusted organic Zaatar source in Lebanon that would ship locally as I have a mailbox there through Aramex shop and ship and when the shipment reaches the mailbox, it then gets sent to my country. Zaatar is my favorite spice mix, I think I could eat it with anything, and eat it out of the spoon just like that!
Appreciate your advise!
Crina
On October 5, 2018 at 9:05 am
betty berberian says:
i left lebanon when i was 13 have been in america for 48 years. despite all the lebanese foods and goods available here, almost weekly i think about the ritual of mama mixing the zaatar with olive oil at home, and my sister and i walking it over to the neighborhood bakery and watching the baker do his thing and watching the hot delicious manaesh pulled out of the big stone oven. also, mama and i still talk of the hills behind our summer place, where we could almost see the aroma of the herb floating up into the air.
nothing can ever obscure or match our memories of childhood, especially those associated with the sense of smell… zaatar the herb of life!!!
On February 10, 2019 at 5:54 pm
Carlos Sanabria says:
Me encantaria poder probar el zaatar, somos amantes de la comida libanesa
On April 18, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Anne Maguire says:
I am an 83 year old living in New Zealand. My introduction to Zataar was so funny. I loved Middle Eastern food and found a shop which sold ingredients. I bought a big bag of what I thought was Falafel mix but when I tried to make them the mixture fell apart. Fortunately at the school where I taught we had a lovely Muslim woman in the office. When I told her my sad tale she fell about, laughing. What I had bought was a bag of Zataar. When I learned what it was and how to eat it it became one of my favourite ingredients. I used to have little Zataar parties for myself with a tray of good olive oils, very good bread, a dish of yoghurt and my precious Zataar. How I enjoyed it. Sadly the shop ceased trading and I have never been able to get such good Zataar since and at such a good price. The kinds they have now in New Zealand are, I believe, very westernised and do not taste as good. As you can imagine this was many years ago.
On May 19, 2019 at 9:06 pm
Joumana Accad says:
@Ann Maguire Loved your story Ann and I know several companies that ship internationally now the good zaatar. Would you like some suggestions?
On June 1, 2019 at 4:37 am
Joumana Accad says:
@Ann Maguire You can buy zaatar online. Would you like some suggestions?
On July 2, 2019 at 4:10 pm
Anne Maguire says:
Shock,horror ! In my haste to add a comment I spelled Zaatar incorrectly!!! It also means I have been incorrectly pronouncing it. Thankfully it still tastes the same.
On May 19, 2019 at 9:12 pm
Terry Camp says:
Hello and thanks for considering me. I am beginning my study of your cuisine and would love to receive your spice. I live in rural country in the United States where I cannot buy this. Every week I try to make a new recipe from another country. Please help me in my delicious study.
Regards,
Terry
On September 3, 2019 at 12:59 pm
Kiran Dhameja says:
Pl pl send me the sample of zaatar. I hv read all of this site. Even visited Lebanon beruit folliwing various recipes but despite this I did not manage to lay my hand on the traditional authentic zaatar. I request for this sample sincerely from my heart as i am fascinated by Lebanesefood culture. I am from mumbai india. I will pay for the shipment too.
Kiran Dhameja doyen foods 117 bussa industrial premises, s h tandel marg, 1st floor century bhavan lane prabhadevi mumbai 400025 India 919821146114
On March 6, 2020 at 5:06 pm
Kiran Dhameja says:
Pl pl send me the sample of zaatar. I hv read all of this site. Even visited Lebanon beruit following various recipes but despite this I did not manage to lay my hand on the traditional authentic zaatar. I request for this zaatar as i am fascinated by Lebanesefood culture. I am from mumbai india. I will pay for the shipment too.
Kiran Dhameja doyen foods 117 bussa industrial premises, s h tandel marg, 1st floor century bhavan lane prabhadevi mumbai 400025 India 919821146114
On March 6, 2020 at 5:08 pm
Kiran says:
Pl pl send me the sample of zaatar. I hv read all of this site. Even visited Lebanon beruit following various recipes but despite this I did not manage to lay my hand on the traditional authentic zaatar. I request for this zaatar as i am fascinated by Lebanesefood culture. I am from mumbai india. I will pay for the shipment too.
Kiran Dhameja doyen foods 117 bussa industrial premises, s h tandel marg, 1st floor century bhavan lane prabhadevi mumbai 400025 India 919821146114
On March 6, 2020 at 5:13 pm
Tammy G says:
Sounds great, I would love some if available.
On December 13, 2020 at 5:45 pm