THE SPICE GUIDE · FLAVOURS OF THE WORLD
Sumac, Za'atar & Aleppo Pepper: Your Guide to Three Middle Eastern Spices
Bright, tangy, aromatic and just a little spicy. Middle Eastern spices have a way of turning simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.
Meet three essentials worth adding to your spice collection: Sumac, Za'atar and Aleppo pepper. Each brings something unique to the table, from citrusy freshness to fragrant herbs and gentle heat.
Discover their flavours, differences and easy ways to use them in your everyday cooking.
1. Sumac: A Bright, Tangy Twist
With its deep red colour and vibrant, citrusy flavour, sumac is one of the most versatile spices in Middle Eastern cooking.
Made from dried and ground berries of edible sumac plants, it adds a refreshing tanginess to everything from salads to grilled meats.
What Does Sumac Taste Like?
Think lemon, but with a fruitier, slightly earthy twist. Sumac delivers a bright, tangy flavour without adding extra liquid to your dish.
How to Use Sumac
- Sprinkle it over fresh tomato and cucumber salads.
- Add it to hummus with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Use it to finish grilled chicken, fish or roasted vegetables.
- Mix it with thinly sliced onions to accompany grilled meats.
Add sumac just before serving to highlight its fresh, tangy flavour.
Recipe Inspiration: Sumac Chicken Hummus Bowl
Juicy chicken, creamy hummus and the bright, citrusy flavour of sumac. A delicious way to discover this Middle Eastern essential.
Discover Our Sumac →2. Za'atar: Your New Everyday Essential
If there's one spice blend that deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen, za'atar is a great contender.
A staple in Levantine cuisine, za'atar is a fragrant blend that commonly combines aromatic herbs, sumac and sesame seeds. Recipes vary across regions and households, making every blend a little different.
What Does Za'atar Taste Like?
Herbaceous, nutty and pleasantly tangy. Za'atar combines the freshness of dried herbs with toasted notes and a subtle citrusy finish.
How to Use Za'atar
- Mix it with olive oil and serve with warm bread.
- Sprinkle it over labneh, Greek yogurt or hummus.
- Toss it with potatoes or vegetables before roasting.
- Add it to chicken or tofu marinades.
- Use it to finish avocado toast or your morning eggs.
Start with the classic combination of za'atar, good olive oil and warm flatbread. Sometimes, the simplest combinations are the best.
3 Fresh Ways to Enjoy Za'atar in Salads
From fresh and crunchy to creamy and citrusy, discover three delicious ways to bring the aromatic flavours of za'atar to your salads.
Tomato & Burrata Salad with Za'atar Oil
Juicy tomatoes, creamy burrata and fragrant za'atar oil.
Premium Za'atar Fattoush Salad
Fresh vegetables, crispy bread and a delicious herbaceous twist.
Chickpea Salad with Za'atar Citrus Dressing
Hearty chickpeas tossed in a bright, citrusy za'atar dressing.
3. Aleppo Pepper: A Little Heat, A Lot of Flavour
Named after the Syrian city of Aleppo, Aleppo pepper is loved for its fruity flavour and generally moderate heat.
Unlike some hot peppers that deliver an immediate burst of heat, Aleppo pepper offers a more rounded flavour that complements rather than overwhelms your food.
What Does Aleppo Pepper Taste Like?
Warm, slightly fruity and subtly earthy, with a gentle kick. Its heat level can vary depending on the product, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
How to Use Aleppo Pepper
- Sprinkle it over scrambled eggs or avocado toast.
- Add it to yogurt-based dips and sauces.
- Use it to season grilled vegetables or chicken.
- Incorporate it into marinades or meatballs.
- Finish pizza or pasta with a pinch.
Combine Aleppo pepper with olive oil and lemon juice for a quick dressing or dipping sauce.
Cooking Inspiration: Turkish Eggs
Looking for another way to enjoy Middle Eastern-inspired flavours? Try a pinch of Aleppo pepper over eggs or a creamy yogurt sauce. Its gentle heat pairs beautifully with both.
Discover Our Aleppo Pepper →4. Sumac vs. Za'atar vs. Aleppo Pepper: What's the Difference?
Each brings a different flavour to the table. Here's a quick guide to choosing the right one for your next meal.
| Spice | Flavour | Best With |
|---|---|---|
| Sumac | Tangy, citrusy, fruity | Salads, hummus, grilled meats |
| Za'atar | Herbaceous, nutty, tangy | Bread, vegetables, chicken |
| Aleppo Pepper | Fruity, warm, mildly spicy | Eggs, sauces, grilled vegetables |
These spices also work beautifully together. Za'atar provides an aromatic base, sumac adds extra tanginess and Aleppo pepper brings gentle warmth.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Does Za'atar Always Contain Sumac?
Sumac is a common ingredient in za'atar blends, but recipes vary depending on the region and producer. Always check the ingredient list of your chosen blend.
Is Sumac Spicy?
No. Culinary sumac is known for its tangy, lemon-like flavour rather than heat.
Is Aleppo Pepper Very Hot?
Aleppo pepper is generally considered moderately spicy, although its heat can vary. Start with a pinch and adjust to your preference.
Can You Use All Three Spices Together?
Absolutely! Za'atar provides an aromatic base, sumac adds extra tanginess and Aleppo pepper brings gentle warmth. Try combining them to season roasted vegetables or grilled chicken.
Explore Middle Eastern Flavours With A Spice Affair
Ready to bring something new to your kitchen? Discover the bright tang of Sumac, the fragrant herbs of Za'atar and the gentle warmth of Aleppo pepper.
Whether you're preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends around the table, these three spices open the door to endless flavour combinations.
