Origanum syriacum subsp. syriacum; syn. Majorana syriaca (also Origanum maru, although this primarily refers to a hybrid of O. syriacum),[ Biblical-hyssop,][ Lebanese oregano][ or Syrian oregano,][ is an aromatic perennial herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae.
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It is a preferred primary ingredient in the spice mixture za'atar.
O. syriacum is native to the Palestine region and was formerly used in ceremonial functions in the Temple in Jerusalem, such as for sprinkling the waters of a purification mixture made by the ashes of a burned red heifer on persons defiled by the dead.[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).]
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.
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).[ Mishnah (ed. Herbert Danby), Oxford University Press: Oxford 1977, s.v. Negai'im 14:6 (p. 696); Parah 11:7 (p. 711).]
Description
Origanum syriacum grows to a height of 1 meter. The plant is pollinated by bees.
Distribution
Origanum syriacum is native to the Middle East.[ In Egypt, Origanum syriacum subsp. sinaicum is a very rare plant that grows on stony ground in Sinai Peninsula including the coastal Mediterranean strip.]
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, Abdominal pain 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.
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