What is Zaatar oregano?
Origanum syriacum. An oregano that carries a bit of zing, and is a necessary ingredient in the condiment za’atar. Mix with sumac, toasted sesame seeds, salt and sometimes a few other herbs to make the sprightly topping so essential to Middle Eastern cuisine.
What does sweet marjoram look like?
Sweet marjoram, a low-growing plant native to the Mediterranean, makes a pretty summer groundcover or edging. A subtly colored plant, marjoram has thin, gray-green leaves and, in early summer, small knot-like flowers along the stem ranging in color from lilac to white.
How do you identify marjoram?
The leaves of wild marjoram are arranged opposite to each other. Leaves: it has aromatic leaves that are spade-shaped and wider at the base than the tip. They’re 10-40mm long and 5-25mm wide, arranged opposite to each other on stems.
Is Za Atar thyme or oregano?
Even though it varies greatly depending on where you are in the Middle East (specific recipes are sometimes closely-guarded secrets!), za’atar is generally a combination of dried oregano, thyme, and/or marjoram (woodsy and floral), with sumac (tangy and acidic) and toasted sesame seeds (nutty and rich).
Does marjoram need sun?
Sowing Marjoram Directly in the Garden: Direct sow in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost. Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth. Sow marjoram seeds evenly and cover with ¼ inches of fine soil. Firm the soil lightly and keep evenly moist.
Should you let marjoram flower?
Once you have a marjoram plant blooming fully, the flavor of the leaves isn’t going to be as good. It’s still perfectly safe to eat them, though, along with the flowers, which taste like a milder version of the leaves. Of course, leaving a few plants to bloom in the garden will entice pollinators.
Can you eat marjoram raw?
Marjoram is LIKELY SAFE in food amounts and POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in medicinal amounts for short periods of time. Marjoram is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used long-term or when applied to the eye or skin as fresh marjoram.
Does marjoram need full sun?
Direct sow in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost. Remove weeds and work organic matter into the top 6-8 inches of soil; then level and smooth. Sow marjoram seeds evenly and cover with ¼ inches of fine soil.
How do you eat Za Atar?
I use zaatar on a regular basis. It’s great to simply season some avocados or tomatoes for a snack (drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil) or to jazz up some breakfast eggs, or to include with olive oil for dipping as part of a big Mediterranean spread. But I also use it to season salads, meats and even fish.
Is zaatar good for health?
Zaatar has some truly impressive health benefits, including its ability to improve the immune system, boost skin health, build strong bones, increase circulation, clear out the respiratory tracts, soothe inflammation, boost energy, improve mood, aid memory, and treat chronic diseases.
What to do with marjoram and Za atar?
‘Za’atar’ is easy to grow, deer-resistant and is ornamental in window boxes, hanging baskets or other containers. Use ‘Za’atar’ as a spice wherever you would use oregano, marjoram or thyme; for meats, breads, spice blends and in Middle Eastern cuisine.
What kind of leaves does a marjoram plant have?
Origanum majorana ‘Syriaca Zaatar’ is a marjoram with a flavor combination of sweet marjoram, thyme, and oregano. This variety of marjoram comes from the Mediterranean where it enjoys a centuries old tradition of culinary use. Soft-gray-green plants with semi-upright leaves.
How tall does zaatar Origanum syriacum grow?
Origanum syriacum, ‘Syrian Oregano’, or ‘Zaatar’, is a special oregano native to the Middle East, especially Syria, Lebanon and Israel, and is more aromatic than its European counterpart. ‘Zaatar’ is a herbaceous perennial herb which typically grows as an upright mound up to 48 inches tall.
How tall does a Zaatar marjoram plant get?
‘Zaatar’ is a herbaceous perennial herb which typically grows as an upright mound up to 48 inches tall. The plants are drought-tolerant and hardy to 10°F, and will tolerate a variety of soils as long as they are well drained. In summer the plant is covered in white flowers and is a virtual magnet for pollinating insects.