3. Zaatar

“Thyme” in Arabic 

Popular in: The Middle East into Turkey and North Africa.

The blend: The two basic styles are green (aka Israeli), made with thyme—alone, or with other herbs—plus sesame seeds; and red (aka Syrian), adding zingy sumac, cumin, and coriander.

Flavors: Pungently herbaceous, nutty, and sometimes tart.

How to use it: Sprinkle over bread before baking, pat onto chicken or salmon before grilling, or whisk into vinaigrette for green salad.