Organic Palestinian and Israeli Za'atar with Hyssop from Villa Jerada
90 gram jar
Za'atar with Hyssop! Hyssop amazing health benefits! Za’atar is old. Very old indeed. Ancient Egypt old. And Holy old, as Origanum syriacum, an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family, also known as Biblical-Hyssop, Lebanese oregano, Syrian oregano, wild marjoram.
Za’atar, Zaatar, Zatar are all commonly used name for a spice blend that contains sesame seeds, dried sumac, salt and Za’atar (hyssop). Other chosen ingredients have varied over thousands of years.
The recipe for Za’atar (as a spice blend), like Harissa, fried chicken, baked beans, vary from culture to culture, place to place, family to family, the recipe is often held close to the chest and only shared when eaten. Throughout the area that composed the fertile crescent, Za'atar has been a staple.
Perhaps the most interesting element here is that the herb hyssop has an ancient, a biblical and a current use for a healthy life. In very recent studies, in 2014 and 2017, herbs in the Lamiaceae family, of which hyssop belongs, may fight cancer cells and, hyssop specifically may attack breast cancer.
Hyssop has also been identified to help with these health issues: digestive track, liver, gall bladder, intestinal pain and help with ulcers. Interestingly it may also help with asthma, the common cold and respiratory infections. It is also used for UTI’s, poor circulation, HIV and menstrual cramps.
In a more important study there is evidence it might delay the aging of your skin!
Classically added to flat breads with olive oil, like manaeshe, naan, roti, paratha, though really you can use it on any bread you desire. Or you can mix with an olive oil, like Desert Miracle, into a paste to spread or dip chicken.
Mehdi has chosen this harvested and blended Za’atar because it is made by Palestinian and Israeli women working together in peace to spread the love for common good.
There are no scientific human clinical trials, just studies from different parts of the world including here. And of course thousands of years of use. There is enough evidence that there are cautions associated with hyssop to not overindulge. Most of these warnings are related to the hyssop oil and its excessive use. Caution for those susceptible to seizures and those who are pregnant should not indulge.
Ingredients
Hyssop, sumac, sesame seeds, olive oil, sea salt