Za’atar Day

Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Dec 22, 2023 By Rajnandini Roychoudhury
Originally Published on Mar 25, 2022
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa
Za'atar Day is popular among the Mediterranean population in America!


Where is Za’atar Day celebrated?

Za’atar Day is celebrated in the United States.

Who celebrates Za’atar Day?

Food lovers celebrate za’atar Day!

When did Za’atar Day start?

There is no evidence on any data on the first celebration of za’atar Day.

Who started Za’atar Day?

The founder of za’atar Day is unknown even today.

History And Timeline

No evidence links anyone with the creation of za'atar Day, because of which neither the founding year nor the founding date can be traced.

Usage Of Spice

Ancient Egyptians used species in cosmetics, flavoring food, and embalming their dead.

3500 BC

Charlemagne Makes His Mark

Charlemagne, the King of France and Emperor of the West, orders farmers to grow culinary herbs in abundance. Important herbs like thyme, coriander, parsley, and sage are grown.

774-815 AD

Za'atar Gains Popularity

Za'atar grows as one of the most famous spice blends in the Levantine and Middle Eastern regions.

12th Century

Vasco da Gama's Discovery

Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama discovers a sea route that supposedly will help him reach the southern region of Africa; however, his journey took him to India in 1498. He returns home with cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmegs, and peppercorns in an important journey for the spice trade.

1497

The US Entered Spice Trade

The United States enters the world spice trade and trades flours, candles, cheese, butter, tobacco, and various fish for spices like cloves, ginger, cinnamon, cassia, and pepper.

18th Century

Traditions And Customs

Za'atar Day is celebrated on September 23 annually, and the day is celebrated by sharing za'atar-inspired dishes. za'atar is a crucial element in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean recipes. People also use this day to come up with their za'atar mixes.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Za’atar Day

Celebrate za'atar Day by creating your special spice blend! All you need to make it are dried thyme, kosher salt, grounded cumin, and grounded coriander.

You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to create a special spice mix!

Facts And Stats

  • People across the globe celebrate this day annually by making za'atar-specific dishes that mainly include a large part of middle eastern cuisine.
  • Many spice lovers also celebrate this day by making their spice blend with a good amount of za'atar and other spices with a pinch of salt.
  • People also celebrate this day by making their healthy skin paste which contains a good amount of za'atar, which has a lot of inflammatory properties.

What's za'atar made of?

Za'atar is made from a combination of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and dried oregano.

How long does zaatar last in the fridge?

Zaatar has a week-long preservation period before it becomes bad to use.

Where did zaatar originate?

Zaatar originated in the Levant region of modern-day Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. Zaatar is a crucial part of Mediterranean recipes.

What is the significance of za’atar Day?

Za'atar Day is an important event in the celebration of herbs that have left an amazing aftertaste in the mouth of the entire global population.

 

Does za'atar have another name?

Za'atar is also known as zaatar or za atar.

Are za'atar and sumac the same?

 No, sumac and za'atar are not the same. Zaatar is a particular herb, whereas sumac comes from various small trees and shrubs from the Rhus genus. Sumac is also full of thyme and contains thymol, a type of essential oil that consists of fungicide properties alongside antioxidants.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, September 22, 2020
  • Wednesday, September 22, 2021
  • Thursday, September 22, 2022
  • Friday, September 22, 2023
  • Sunday, September 22, 2024

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Rajnandini Roychoudhury

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

Rajnandini Roychoudhury picture

Rajnandini RoychoudhuryBachelor of Arts specializing in English, Master of Arts specializing in English

With a Master of Arts in English, Rajnandini has pursued her passion for the arts and has become an experienced content writer. She has worked with companies such as Writer's Zone and has had her writing skills recognized by publications such as The Telegraph. Rajnandini is also trilingual and enjoys various hobbies such as music, movies, travel, philanthropy, writing her blog, and reading classic British literature. 

Read full bio >
Fact-checked by Shruti Thapa

Bachelor of Arts specializing in English

Shruti Thapa picture

Shruti ThapaBachelor of Arts specializing in English

With a passion for American, British, and children's literature, Shruti is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree at Garden City University, Bengaluru. Her fluency in Nepali, Hindi, and Mandarin demonstrates her linguistic abilities and global perspective. In addition to her literary pursuits, she has a keen interest in non-fiction literature, aesthetics, early childhood education, and Egyptian history. Shruti's research paper 'Bringing Art Illustrations In Education And Pop Culture' showcases her proficiency in these areas and her dedication to academic excellence.

Read full bio >