Sumac is a defining ingredient in the Middle Eastern blend called za’atar.
Za’atar is a family of herb-and-spice mixtures whose ingredients vary by region and household. A common blend combines dried thyme or related herbs with sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt. Sumac contributes the mixture’s characteristic tart, lemon-like flavor.
The word za’atar can refer both to the prepared seasoning and to several aromatic herbs in the oregano family. This double meaning explains why recipes and translations do not always match exactly.
Za’atar is commonly sprinkled over flatbread, mixed with olive oil, used to season labneh, or added to salads and vegetables. Not every commercial blend contains identical proportions, but sumac is central to many widely recognized versions.