Za’atar/Syrian Oregano
Origanum syriacum
Sometimes called “Syrian oregano”, this potent oregano is a popular herb (fresh or dried) for seasoning soups, sauces, salads, stuffing, stews, roasts, vegetables, and meats. Dried leaves may be added to potpourris. Za’atar is not only a common name for this plant, but is also the name of a seasoning preparation (consisting of dried/crushed leaves plus sesame seeds, ground sumac berries, salt, and pepper), which is exceedingly popular in the Middle East. Za’atar is often baked into the crust of pita bread. Yummo!
Water: Moderate to Dry
Hardiness: Frost Hardy
Habit: Herbaceous aromatic perennial herb to 2.5' tall
Light: Full Sun
Soil: Moderately rich, well-draining soil
Origin: Syria, Israel, Jordan
Za’atar/Syrian Oregano