Ethan and I wanted to take a moment to share the story behind our za'atar and why we continue to source it from Palestine.
Since we launched Burlap & Barrel 9 years ago this month, our mission has always been to support farmers growing the world's most flavorful crops. Za’atar was our very first Origin Blend, our line of spices that are grown and blended at origin, in traditional growing environments, following time-honored recipes. Our partner farmers also earn more for the additional work it takes to create these blends. It’s a win for everyone involved: farmers make more from their crops, and we get to share a truly special spice blend unlike anything else available in the U.S.
There are many versions of za’atar across the Middle East, with recipes varying from family to family. We learned after trying dozens of samples from across the region that the world’s best za’atar comes from the West Bank, with a long history and deep ties to that area.
Za’atar is made with a species of fuzzy, heart-shaped oregano that is native to the region’s rocky hills. The West Bank is where za’atar was invented in ancient times, and the iconic, zingy, zesty za’atar that we all know and love comes from this area.
Launched in March 2022, our original za’atar was grown and blended in Ein Samiya, cultivated by a family in the hills outside Ramallah. In the year and a half that followed, we worked with a small group of farmers and millers to bring over 7,000 lbs of za’atar to our customers. But under intensified violence over the past two years, they have not been able to harvest or tend to their fields.
We’re hoping for a lasting de-escalation in the region. For us, in our capacity as a Public Benefit Corporation, building new international spice supply chains that are equitable, transparent and traceable is an act of hope. We’ve connected with a new group of farmers in the culinary hub of Nablus—a city in the West Bank famous since ancient times for olive oil, cheese, kunafeh pastries, and many other delicacies. Their specialty is a za’atar featuring toasted wheat and roasted chickpeas, which give this classic blend an especially savory, nutty twist. We fell in love with their recipe as well as the families behind this blend—their optimism, their persistence, and their commitment to keeping this beloved tradition alive.
It felt important to both of us to share that context—how this za’atar reflects the same values that guide all of our sourcing decisions, and how we work with smallholder farmers around the world to connect everyone through delicious flavors. By buying and using each of our spices, you are directly supporting an expanding network of growers and artisans at origin.
As always, thank you for coming along with us on this journey. We’re proud to be able to support this supply chain together, farmers at one end and you on the other.
