Description
A traditional staple in the Palestinian kitchen, za’tar is made from powdered thyme, sesame seeds, sumac (a spice made from ground sour berries), and salt. It is eaten with Arabic bread (pita) and olive oil; dip the bread in the oil, and then in the za’tar. For “Manakeesh” (za’tar pizza), combine equal amounts of olive oil and za’tar, and spread on bread and toast or on a pizza crust and bake. Top with cheese if desired. Also perfect for sprinkling on pasta, pizza and salads!
Our selections come from Tahoon; located in Houston, founded by an immigrant from Gaza, and importing their za’tar directly from Palestine.
Health benefits of Za’tar (Thyme)
Za’tar contains many active principles that are found to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.
Za’tar contains thymol, one of the important essential oils, which scientifically has been found to have antiseptic, anti-fungal characteristics. The other volatile oils in Za’tar include carvacolo, borneol and geraniol.
Za’tar contains many flavonoid phenolic antioxidants like zea-xanthin, lutein, pigenin, naringenin, luteolin, and thymonin. Fresh Za’tar has one of the highest antioxidant levels among herbs, a total ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value of 27426-µmol TE/100 g.
Za’tar is packed with minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. Its leaves are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, and selenium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is required for red blood cell formation.
The herb is also a rich source of many important vitamins such as B-complex vitamins, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C and folic acid.
Za’tar provides 0.35 mg of vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine; furnishing about 27% of daily recommended intake. Pyridoxine keeps up GABA (beneficial neurotransmitter in the brain) levels in the brain, which has stress buster function.
Vitamin C helps the human body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that is required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is also essential for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids like vitamin A and beta-carotene helps protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.
Za’tar leaves offer significant levels of quality phyto-nutrients profile. Just 100 g of fresh leaves provides (% of Recommended daily allowance)
Dietary fiber 38%
Vitamin B-6 27%
Vitamin C 266%
Vitamin A 158%
Iron 218%
Calcium 40%
Magnesium 40%
Manganese 75%
No cholesterol.
Dukkah (Gaza style spice blend)
Unique mix blend, made as Homemade Style
Tahoon Dukkah spice blend is Vegan and GMO Free.
Ingredients: Whole Wheat, Coriander, Sumac, Cumin, Sea Salt, Lentil, Almond, Watermelon Seeds, Citric Acid, Mild Peppers.
Tahoon Dukkah is a spice blend of ground roasted grain and spices to create a tasteful blend. It is a popular food that contains a large amount of vitamins, proteins and other essential nutrients.
Dukkah spice blend is a popular vegan food and it’s packed with vitamins and proteins. As a seasoning it is commonly used in Middle-East cuisine dating back millennia.
Tahoon Dukkah spice blend uses and recipes;
Use it for dipping; Add some Dukkah spice blend into a dipping bowl; add some extra virgin olive oil into another dipping bowl; then start dipping a small piece of bread (pita recommended) into the olive oil and then into dukkah blend.
Use it to make Dukkah pizza (Manakish); To make Dukkah bread pizza (Manakish), just spread some extra virgin olive oil or (any olive oil) on top of fresh pita dough or pizza crust dough or flattened dinner roll dough then sprinkle few Dukkah spice blend on top and bake it.
Use it as food flavor; Sprinkle some of the Dukkah blend spices on vegetables, pizza, tacos, etc.
Tahoon Dukkah spice blend is always fresh, it’s roasted and ground and packed in the Tahoon warehouse in Houston, TX.
Store in a dry place and away from the sun.
