Hyssop is a wild herb from the thyme family that was only cultivated in 50 years ago. The Hyssop is such an important and vital part of the zaatar blend, that in the Middle East, it is referred to as the zaatar herb, thus the confusion you sometime encounter, where people think zaatar is an herb and not a blend.
What is hyssop seasoning?
Description. Hyssop is an aromatic perennial herb, 30-60 cm high, grown at higher elevations (above 1500 mtrs.). The branches are erect or defuse, leaves are sessile, linear-oblong, flowers are bluish purple in auxiliary tufts arranged unilaterally on terminal branches. The leaves and flower tops constitutes the spice.
Is hyssop in mint family?
hyssop, (Hyssopus officinalis), evergreen garden herb of the mint family (Lamiaceae), grown for its aromatic leaves and flowers. The plant has a sweet scent and a warm bitter taste and has long been used as a flavouring for foods and beverages and as a folk medicine.
Is Zaatar a thyme?
Even though it varies greatly depending on where you are in the Middle East (specific recipes are sometimes closely-guarded secrets!), za’atar is generally a combination of dried oregano, thyme, and/or marjoram (woodsy and floral), with sumac (tangy and acidic) and toasted sesame seeds (nutty and rich).
What is the flavor of hyssop?
Hyssop is part of the mint family, and tastes like mint but with floral overtones—like a minty lavender—but with a slight bitterness. Hyssop’s fresh, bright flavor makes it a great addition to lighten up dishes, particularly vegetable-forward meals.
What is the difference between hyssop and thyme?
A caveat: Hyssop leaves are longer and more slender than regular thyme, so crush the herbs or give them a quick chop for recipes with shorter cooking times.
What is hyssop called today?
Other Name(s): Herbe de Joseph, Herbe Sacrée, Herbe Sainte, Hiope, Hisopo, Hissopo, Hyssopus officinalis, Hysope, Hysope Officinale, Jufa, Rabo De Gato, Ysop.
What type of hyssop was in the Bible?
Yet, modern Bible scholars still express uncertainty about the actual identity of hyssop and some suggest that it could be caper (Capparis spinosa) a very common shrub in the Middle East.
What is hyssop herb used for?
Hyssop is used for digestive and intestinal problems, infection of the airways, poor circulation, skin problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. In foods, hyssop oil and extract are used as a flavoring.
What is hyssop tea good for?
Hyssop plants look like a smaller form of lavender, with spikes of blue flowers that smell slightly minty. Tea made from true hyssop has been used to help treat coughs, earaches, asthma, and bloating.
What is zaatar called in English?
Zaatar or Za’tar (zaah-tar) is a common noun in the Arabic language and refers to both a Middle-Eastern herb spice mixture and also a distinct herb plant in the mint family. The herbal plant is referred to in English as bible hyssop or Syrian oregano, but the mixture is just called Zaatar.
Is Za Atar a hyssop?
ZA’ATAR – a traditional blend made of hyssop, sumac and sesame seeds. The combination of hyssop and sumac is responsible for many of the health benefits associated with za’atar. Every blend of spices without hyssop and sumac is not real zaatar.
Is sumac and zaatar same?
Are Za’atar and Sumac the Same? While sumac and za’atar are related, they are actually two different spices. To be more specific, sumac is a single-ingredient spice made by drying the leaves of the sumac plant. Za’atar, on the other hand, is a blend of ingredients.
Is hyssop good for lungs?
Aside from treating common cold symptoms, hyssop may be used to alleviate more serious respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, according to some animal studies. However, you should not use hyssop as a treatment for severe wheezing and breathing difficulties without talking to your doctor first.
How is hyssop used in cooking?
It’s less common now so quite hard to come by, but the young leaves can be used in cooking – chop and scatter onto salads, meat or oily fish dishes, or use to flavour soups, stews and fruit dishes. Hyssop is said to aid the digestion of fatty or rich foods.
What does hyssop smell like?
Hyssop leaves have a scent that could be called ‘skunky’. But as a member of the mint family – the same family to which basil, mint, lavender, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme belong – hyssop has a complex scent with minty overtones.
Is hyssop toxic to dogs?
Hyssop oil is toxic to dogs and other animals when ingested. It is used topically to prevent Lyme disease in dogs when applied to tick bites. Consuming the plant in large doses can cause respiratory tract irritation and seizures.
Is hyssop same as lavender?
Like lavender, Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) is a perennial that belongs to the mint and sage family (Lamiaceae) – mostly aromatic perennial herbs. Hyssop has many similarities to lavender. The leaf shape, in particular, is quite similar but the leaf color is greener than lavenders’.
Where is hyssop found in the Bible?
In Psalm 51:7 he wrote “Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” The sixth reference is during Jesus’ crucifixion when Hyssop was dipped in vinegar and wiped across Jesus’ lips to ease the suffering.
What is the significance of hyssop in the Bible?
In the Old Testament hyssop was used to sprinkle blood as part of the Jewish Passover. Hyssop was mentioned in the Bible for its cleansing effect in connection with plague, leprosy and chest ailments and symbolically in cleansing the soul.
Does hyssop have healing properties?
Miscellaneous uses
Some herbalists also believe that hyssop has beneficial effects for asthma, urinary tract inflammation, and appetite stimulation. Its effectiveness in relieving gas and colic also are listed under its medicinal uses.