the Arabic word za'atar, pronounced ZAH-tahr, literally means thyme and this is an ancient seasoning used throughout North Africa and the Middle East. Remains of thymbra spicata, one variety used in modern za'atar preparations, were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun, and according to Dioscorides, this particular species was known to the Ancient Egyptians as saem. Za'atar (the herb) is traditionally dried in the sun and mixed with salt, sesame seeds and sumac. It is commonly eaten with pita, which is dipped in olive oil and then za'atar. It is used as a seasoning for meats and vegetables or sprinkled onto hummus