[Sca-cooks] looking for za'atar

[lilinah at earthlink.net]

From: Seton1355 at aol.com
>I can't grow za'atar. It is a mix of spices. (herbs too I think) I have some
>and I cook with it.  Love the flavor.
>
>If you live near the Central Market in Lancaster you can get some from the
>Middle Eastern guy who sells prepared ME foods..
>
>Phillipa

From: Elaine Koogler <ekoogler at chesapeake.net>
>Yeah, I bought some from Penzey's.  Now are you talking about the
>mixture or are
>you talking about the actual spice (it's reddish brown berries so I believe it
>qualifies as a spice).  It also grows here in the US...I have
>several "bushes" on
>my property.  But I've been advised by those on the list that it
>probably is not
>of the same strength as what you purchase.  I've cooked with the
>spice mixture,
>and it's great...rub it on steaks or a roast before
>grilling....wonderful stuff.
>I've not yet cooked with the spice.
>
>Kiri

1. You're both thinking of the blend - sesame, salt, sumac, and
zaatar herb - not zaatar herb itself.

2. Kiri: those reddish brown berries you describe are (possibly)
sumac berries (or not), but they are in no way zaatar herb, which is
similar to thyme and marjoram. Don't eat what's growing near you
until you are certain that it's the edible Levantine kind of sumac,
and not some other kind, which IIRC from our previous discussion of
sumac on this list, is not safe to eat.

Anahita