Zaatar with Sumac: A Flavor That Connects Generations
In the Middle East, when Zaatar is mentioned, it always refers to Zaatar with Sumac. This red mixture, with its tangy taste and fragrance that precedes its presence, is part of the daily details of life, linked to childhood and memories. Generations have grown up with Zaatar sandwiches that accompanied them to school every morning, wrapped in a white paper soaked in olive oil, shared with friends in school courtyards. This breakfast was not just a meal, but a childhood ritual: simple, quick, nutritious, and beloved, associated with home, mother, and the start of the day.
It was customary for visitors to buy bags of Zaatar with Sumac as gifts for their relatives and friends or to store them for the winter. This mixture, whose taste is unmatched, has become part of the city’s identity and a distinctive mark of its culinary heritage.
Baladna Zaatar Blend: A Unique Mix
What sets Baladna Zaatar with Sumac apart is the balance of its flavors and its slightly coarse texture. It is primarily made of ground thyme, tangy ground sumac, and roasted sesame, which adds a delightful flavor and a light crunch. Additionally, a blend of traditional spices is added, with each producer following their own specific ratios, making each blend slightly different, but the Zaatar flavor remains the common denominator.
The color of this Zaatar tends towards red due to the dominance of sumac, and it is characterized by a slightly tangy taste. Although some may consider it strong in flavor, many cannot accept any substitute.
Baladna Zaatar with Sumac… Authentic Flavor with Well-Studied Quality
At Baladna, we preserve the essence of Zaatar with Sumac while maintaining high standards in selecting ingredients. We start with dried and ground thyme, mix it with high-quality ground tangy sumac, and then add a generous amount of roasted sesame and the correct spices to ensure it maintains its full flavor. Each ingredient is carefully chosen in precise proportions to ensure a balanced flavor, where the tanginess does not overpower, and the thyme’s aroma is preserved.
This mixture, despite its apparent simplicity, goes through careful preparation stages aimed at preserving the original flavor known and loved by many.
Traditional Flavor with a Contemporary Presence
No flavors or colors are added—only the authentic natural ingredients that give it its unique taste. It is a staple on breakfast tables and a favorite in picnic sandwiches. It can also be incorporated into new recipes to present it in innovative ways. It is a traditional heritage product, yet still present in every home, acting as a bridge between generations and between what was and what will be.
