Origanum syriacum

Etymology

The Arabic word zaʿatar (), may refer to one of several plants, as well as the spice mixture of the same name which the plants are associated with. In many English translations of the Bible, ezov is rendered as hyssop, hence the common name for bible hyssop, believed to be a different plant generally identified with Hyssopus officinalis.

Problems with identification arise from Jewish oral tradition, where it expressly prohibits the use of Greek hyssop, and where the biblical plant is said to have been identical to the Arabic word za'atar (Origanum syriacum), which is not to be confused with other types of ʿezov that often bear an additional epithet, such as za'atar parsi (Thymus capitatus), zaatar rumi (Satureja thymbra), and zaatar mani (Clinopodium insulare).

Description

Origanum syriacum grows to a height of 1 meter. The plant is pollinated by bees. Flowers are small and white or pale pink.

Distribution

Origanum syriacum is native to the Middle East. Wild hyssop and sage are protected under Israeli law as endangered plants, but no major studies on their status have been conducted since 1977. Foraging for za'atar is illegal under Israeli law.

Use

Food

Origanum syriacum is harvested in the wild for use in preparing za'atar, a mixture of dried herbs, sesame and sumac for flavoring and garnish. For example, in Lebanon, a typical za'atar blend often consists of dried leaves from Origanum syriacum and Thymbra spicata. This blend is complemented with ground fruits of Rhus coriaria (sumac), toasted sesame seeds, and salt. It is a common practice to mix za'atar with olive oil at home, creating a spread that is then applied to flatbreads called manakish.

Folk medicine

In Lebanon, dried O. syriacum is used against gastrointestinal issues such as pharyngitis, stomach aches and cough.

Collection and restrictive measures

So precious is this herb that in the Levant, native Palestinians will forage and gather it between May and August. However, following the implementation of protective laws, those caught collecting wild hyssop can be prosecuted and face large fines. It has recently entered cultivation due to high levels of demand.[failed verification]

References

References

1. {{GRIN
2. Hassler, Michael. (1994). "World Plants. Synonymic Checklist and Distribution of the World Flora". www.worldplants.de..
3. {{ThePlantList
4. (29 September 2010). "Za'atar, a renowned herb blend, and events inspired by it". Vegetable Gardener.
5. (1983). "Plants and Animals of the Land of Israel". Israel Ministry of Defence, in affiliation with the Nature Protection Society.
6. Based on the [[Judeo-Arabic]] translation of the word in the works of Rabbi [[Saadia Gaon]] (in his ''Tafsir'', a translation of the Pentateuch, Exo. 12:22), [[Nathan ben Abraham I]] in Mishnah ''Uktzin'' 2:2, Rabbi [[Jonah ibn Janah]] (''Sefer HaShorashim'' - Book of the Roots, s.v. אזב - ''aleph'', ''zayn'', ''bet''), and [[Maimonides]] (in his ''Mishnah'' Commentary, ''Nega'im'' 14:6).
7. EnviroSociety. (2016-06-15). "A Political Ecology of Za'atar".
8. (2013). "Work and Customs in Palestine". Dar Al Nasher.
9. ''[[Mishnah]]'' (ed. [[Herbert Danby]]), Oxford University Press: Oxford 1977, s.v. ''Negai'im'' 14:6 (p. 696); ''Parah'' 11:7 (p. 711).
10. . ["Origanum syriacum Bible Hyssop"](http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Origanum+syriacum). *Plants For A Future*.
11. "''Origanum syriacum''". Missouri Botanical Garden.
12. Boulos, Loutfy. (2002). "Flora of Egypt". Al-Hadara Publishing.
13. (2022-03-01). "Unraveling the beneficial effects of herbal Lebanese mixture "Za'atar". History, studies, and properties of a potential healthy food ingredient". Journal of Functional Foods.
14. "A Mixup Over a Biblical Herb". Haaretz.
15. (1 January 2010). "Plant story - helping to conserve ''Origanum syriacum''". Kew Royal Botanic Gardens.