The post What is Zaatar (Zatar)? How to use it in recipe or food? appeared first on Magazine of Fun and Curosity.
]]>Zaatar, a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine, is much more than just a spice blend. Its unique taste, cultural significance, and health benefits make it a must-have in every kitchen. It’s very commonly found in the very well-known food like croissant, manakish and hummus. The cheese zaatar croissant is my favorite.
What is Zaatar?
A well-loved traditional Middle Eastern spice blend Zaatar is made from a mix of dried thyme, sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt. It may also include other herbs like oregano or marjoram, depending on regional and family recipes. Known for its earthy, tangy, and nutty flavor, Zaatar is incredibly versatile and is used as a seasoning, dip, or topping in various dishes. It holds cultural and historical significance in the Levant region and is cherished for its unique taste and health benefits.
How is Zaatar Made?
The traditional Zaatar blend varies by region and family recipe but typically includes:
- Dried Thyme: The core herb providing earthy and aromatic notes.
- Sumac: Adds tangy citrus-like flavor. (Know About Sumac)
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: For nuttiness and texture.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Some of the verities include oregano, marjoram, or other local herbs, making Zaatar’s profile rich and diverse.
A Brief History of Zaatar
Zaatar has been cherished for centuries in the Levant region, which includes modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. Ancient texts and archaeological evidence suggest that Zaatar’s ingredients were used as far back as 3000 BCE. In many cultures, Zaatar is considered a symbol of resilience and heritage, often used in rituals and traditional practices.
Where is Zaatar Produced?
Zaatar is predominantly produced in the Middle East, with Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine being notable producers. However, its popularity has led to its production in other parts of the world, including North Africa and Mediterranean regions.
Health Benefits of Zaatar
Zaatar is not just flavorful but also packed with health benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Thanks to sumac and thyme.
- Supports Digestion: Thyme and sumac aid in digestion and reduce bloating.
- Boosts Immunity: The blend’s herbs and sesame seeds are rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Especially due to thyme and sumac.
- Improves Mental Clarity: Traditionally believed to enhance memory and focus.
What Cuisine is Zaatar Used In?
Zaatar is a cornerstone of Middle Eastern cuisine. It’s used in breads, salads, marinades, and as a finishing spice. You’ll find it sprinkled on flatbreads, mixed into olive oil, or used to flavor grilled meats and vegetables.
How to Use Zaatar?
- As a Dip: Mix with olive oil and serve with fresh bread.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle on roasted vegetables, meats, or eggs.
- Baking: Use as a topping for manakish, a traditional Zaatar flatbread.
- Salads: Add a pinch to fattoush or other fresh salads for extra zest.
How to Store Zaatar?
To retain its flavor and freshness:
- Store Zaatar in an airtight container.
- Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from heat and sunlight.
- Use within 6 months for the best taste.
Interesting Tidbits About Zaatar
– In some Middle Eastern cultures, Zaatar is given to students before exams, as it’s believed to enhance memory.
– The name “Zaatar” is also used to refer to wild thyme in Arabic.
– Zaatar’s flavor profile changes subtly depending on the altitude and soil where the thyme grows.
In Conclusion
Zaatar’s versatility and rich heritage make it a treasure in the culinary world. Whether you’re dipping bread into Zaatar and olive oil or experimenting with new recipes, this spice blend is bound to elevate your cooking! If you are in Dhaka or anywhere in Bangladesh and wanted to purchase Zaatar please visit Spice & Nuts or WhatsApp at 01728685119. The company can deliver fresh and genuine Zaatar (Zatar) to any part of Bangladesh.
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]]>Sumac powder is a culinary delight that has been treasured for centuries, celebrated for its tangy flavour and vibrant colour. It’s remarkable health benefits make it even better. Sumac is widely used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
What is Sumac?
Sumac is a reddish-purple spice made from the dried and ground berries of the Rhus genus of shrubs. Known for its tangy, lemony flavour, it is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and North African cuisines. The spice is valued not only for its taste but also for its vibrant color, which adds visual appeal to dishes.
How is Sumac Powder Made?
Sumac powder begins with the harvesting of sumac berries. These berries are carefully dried, often under the sun, to preserve their natural flavor and color. Once dried, they are ground into a fine powder. The result is a spice with a slightly coarse texture, ready to be sprinkled over food or blended into recipes.
A Brief History of Sumac
The use of sumac dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including the Romans and Greeks, utilized sumac not just as a spice but also for its medicinal properties. In the Middle East, sumac has been a cornerstone of traditional cooking, often used to enhance the flavor of meats, salads, and dips.
Where is Sumac Produced?
Sumac is primarily cultivated in the Mediterranean region, including Turkey, Iran, and Lebanon. It is also grown in parts of North Africa and the United States. The climate in these areas—warm and dry—is ideal for the growth of sumac shrubs. (Click here if you are interested in knowing about some of Spice Plants and Trees that uses on our daily life)
Health Benefits of Sumac Powder
Sumac powder isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits:
- Rich in Antioxidants: Sumac is loaded with polyphenols, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- Aids Digestion: The spice can help alleviate stomach issues and promote healthy digestion.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Sumac has been traditionally used to reduce symptoms of inflammatory conditions.
- Supports Heart Health: Its antioxidant content may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
What Cuisine Uses Sumac?
Sumac is most commonly associated with Middle Eastern cuisine. It is a key ingredient in za’atar, a popular spice blend, and is used to flavor dishes such as Fattoush salad and kebabs. It also appears in Mediterranean and North African recipes, adding brightness to everything from marinades to roasted vegetables.
How to Use Sumac Powder
– As a Seasoning: Sprinkle it over hummus, roasted vegetables, or grilled meats for a tangy kick.
– In Spice Blends: Combine sumac with thyme, sesame seeds, and salt to create za’atar.
– As a Garnish: Use it to add color and flavor to salads, soups, or dips.
– In Marinades: Mix it with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice to marinate chicken or fish.
How to Store Sumac Powder
To maintain its freshness and potency, store sumac powder in an airtight container away from direct sunlight. A cool, dark pantry or spice cabinet is ideal. Proper storage can extend its shelf life to up to a year.
Interesting Titbits About Sumac Powder
– Natural Dye: Sumac was historically used as a natural dye due to its rich red hue.
– Medicinal Use: Traditional medicine systems have long utilized sumac for treating ailments ranging from sore throats to infections.
– Versatile Uses: Beyond cooking, sumac can be used to create flavourful teas or infused oils.
Conclusion
Sumac powder is a versatile and flavourful spice that brings a tangy brightness to a wide array of dishes. Its rich history, health benefits, and culinary adaptability make it a must-have in every kitchen. Whether you’re sprinkling it over a salad, using it in a marinade, or experimenting with new recipes, sumac is sure to elevate your cooking.
Discover the magic of sumac powder in your kitchen today and let its unique flavour inspire your culinary adventures! If you are in Dhaka or anywhere in Bangladesh and wanted to purchase Sumac please visit Spice & Nuts or WhatsApp at 01728685119. The company can deliver fresh and genuine Sumac to any part of Bangladesh.
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]]>#1 Glass Igloos, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland
Glass Igloos is a very spectacular hotel / resort, because of spectacular surrounding and top glass ceiling. You can view Aurora, the Northern lights, lying down on your bed. As the name suggest this is Igloo shaped thermal glass hotel room or cottage, each one is in little distance from other. The Igloos are located in the Saariselkä Fell region of Finnish Lapland. Each igloo feature a bedroom with a glass roof and luxury beds. Some igloos include a bathroom with sauna, while others have shared shower facilities. It cost around US$ 700.
#2 Faralda Crane Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
As CNN mentioned “An unusual hotel you won’t believe actually exists”, it is truly one of a kind. The hotel is built in an abandoned crane. It has only three rooms or suite, Mystique, Free Spirit and Secret. The interiors are different for each setting. Staying there is definitely an unique experience. The hotel is located in the middle of the industrial NDSM heritage, a former shipyard now a lively area with numerous trendy restaurants and cafés. The view from your suite over Amsterdam is extraordinary. The largest graffiti museum in the world is only 150 meteres from this unique hotel. The cost is €895 (around US$ 1000) per night.
#3 SiloStay, New Zealand
This hotel rooms are in silo, specifically it contains two rooms in two floors. If you don’t know what is silo, you read it in wikipedia here. The lower floors has a dining area and a toilet. The upper floor has a bed for couple, a bathroom and a small balcony. Some of the silos have kitchen at the ground floor. The way they promote is amazing, “SiloStay’s team view Little River’s isolation and peacefulness as a definitive bonus, placing us at the forefront of civilizations quest for inner peace and tranquility.” The view is very relaxing The cost is around NZ$ 200 to NZ$230 (US$140 to US$160) per night.
#4 Giraffe Manor, Kenya
A very unique hotel where you live or have kind of live-in experience with giraffe. This beautiful tallest creatue will share meal with you. The hotel looks like a old age british era large house. Giraffe manor is situated in Nairaobi, Kenya and is owned by The Safari Collection. This is an exclusive boutique hotel. “One of the most fascinating things about Giraffe Manor is its resident herd of Rothschild’s giraffes who may visit morning and evening, poking their long necks into the windows in the hope of a treat, before retreating to their forest sanctuary.” Touted as “The most unforgettable bucket-list breakfast in the world” by the hotel website. Price starts from US$965 per adult.
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]]>Ever wondered where our regular spices come from? How are they grown? How those spice plants and trees look like? Here a quick image walk through that shall give you all answers. Also few YouTube videos are linked, fi you want you can learn more or even grow on your personal garden or even on a flower pot.
Cardamom plant
Cardamom is a very well known spice, and commonly used in both sweet and savory dishes. Mainly two types of cardamom is available, true or green (pale to light green) and black (or deep brown). Cardamom plant is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the ginger family, native to Indian subcontinent and Indonesia. You can learn more from this links; wikiHow, Wikipedia and another Wikipedia page. There’s also a Youtube video below the image.
#2
Cinnamon tree
Cinnamon is well loved spice around the world. Very commonly used in sweet dishes and dessert in the western country, but it is also a common stable in savory dishes around the Asian world. It is also variedly used as flavouring ingredients in coffee, tea, many drink as well as alcohols. The spice is obtained from the inner bark of the cinnamon tree. Some type of cinnamon trees grow very big with wide trunk, rest are think tall trees. You can learn more from this Wikipedia page.
Image Source: Wikimedia Common, Pixabay
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