Syrian marjoram, Bible hyssop, Syrian oregano
Origanum syriacum

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb. It grows 30-40 cm tall. The leaves are oval and 10-15 cm long. The leaves are thick and grey-green. They have thick whitish hairs. The flowers are very small and white or yellow.

Probably the hyssop mentioned in the Bible.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It grows in niches in walls and on rocky soils. It suits hardiness zone 9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Egypt, Europe, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Mediterranean, Middle East, North Africa, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Syria, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The leaves and flowering tips are used for flavouring. They are like a blend of thyme, marjoram and oregano. The leaves are used for herbal tea. It is mixed with sumac to make a spice blend called za'tar. This is used along with olive oil as a topping on bread. Also the dried leaves mixed with salt are used on bread.

It is commonly used in Lebanese food.

Edible parts

Leaves, stalks, flowering tops, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dag nanesi, 'Ezov, Egyptian marjoram, Hababa, Hyssop, Lebanese oregano, Za'atar, Za'tar

Synonyms

Majorana syriaca (L.) Rafin; Oregano maru L.; Schizocalyx syriacus (L.) Scheele;