Alumuay Zaatar

Ameen Foods Alumuay Zaatar is a textured blend of sesame, wheat bran, fennel, roasted chickpeas, sunflower seeds, coriander, citric acid, anise, sumac and thyme. The seed-and-chickpea base adds a nutty character, while the herbs and sumac bring a savoury, tangy finish.

Zaatar is sold under many spellings, including za'atar, zataar and zatar. Many blends rest on thyme, sumac and sesame. This one adds roasted chickpeas, sunflower seeds and wheat bran, so it looks and eats more like a crunchy topping than a fine herb powder, with tangy sumac and sweet anise running through the seeds.

Culinary appeal

Mix with olive oil for a bread dip, sprinkle over flatbread before baking, or add to vegetables, salads and savoury pastries. Fennel and anise add a light aromatic sweetness alongside the thyme and coriander.

Why choose this blend?

Its combination of wheat bran, chickpeas and seeds gives it a more substantial texture than a simple herb-and-sumac mixture. Use it when you want both seasoning and a textured topping.

How to use it

Stir two tablespoons into four tablespoons of olive oil for a bread dip, or sprinkle a teaspoon over flatbread, labneh, eggs, roasted vegetables or salads. It also tops savoury pastries before baking. Technique tip: toast it for under a minute in a dry pan over low heat to wake up the sesame, then let it cool so it stays crunchy.

Ingredients, as listed on the product label: Sesame, wheat bran, fennel, roasted chickpeas, sunflower seeds, coriander, citric acid, anise, sumac and thyme.

Allergens: Contains sesame and wheat. Sizes: 150g, 400g and 1kg.

Storage: Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.