While many people now associate the word za’atar with the spice mix, it is the Arabic word for a wild, mint-related herb that is a pillar of Levantine cooking and similar to oregano and marjoram.

Since the herb can be difficult to find, za’atar is commonly made from dried thyme, oregano, sumac, and sesame seeds. But the recipes vary depending on what region they’re from, with each household having their own special blend. Some za’atar recipes also contain salt, marjoram, sumac berries, dried dill, dried orange zest, caraway seeds, or hyssop.

Discerption Credited to allrecipes.