looking for zaatar?

[linz]

just moved to sf recently. i'm looking for a place where i can buy bulk spices especially zaatar (i know they sell zaatar at boulette's larder but it's way overpriced). thanks!

[crispypork]

Penzey's (penzeys.com) also carries it. They aren't local but they got it.
http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzey...

[foodfan]

There is a vendor at the San Rafael FM that blends and packages her own spices. Kind of pricey, I think I paid $5 for a small pouch of zaatar but it is very fresh and tasty. Small is ok, I don't go through it that quickly ~

[Robert Lauriston]

Best prices on spices is probably at Rainbow Grocery. Turnover's high so they're probably fresher than most places.

[mmerino]

cost plus always has little jars of it if youre not into making your own...

[Gary Soup]

I hadn't noticed that, but I'm not surprised. CPWM is one of the most under-appreciated resources around.

[bernalgirl]

The underappreciated part is what makes me hesitant to buy spices there -- I always wonder about the rate of turnover.

[andytee]

Samirami's in the Mission will have it, several kinds to choose from actually.

[Cynsa]

Haig's at 642 Clement Street sells zaatar and sumac...
http://www.haigsdelicacies.com

I wonder if Rainbow Grocery might have it in their bulk bins?
1745 Folsom Street at 13th Street (also known as Division)

[celeste]

I haven't noticed it at Rainbow.

[Nancy Berry]

There is an excellent spice company in Petaluma called WholeSpice that sells a number of Middle Eastern spice mixes, including zaatar (they spell it zahtar.) Here's a link:

http://www.wholespice.com/display.asp...

You can order online and pick the spices up at the store in Petaluma or have them shipped for a fee. You can also call in an order -- the spices are ground to order:

707.778.1750

Here's the address:

STORE ADDRESS
1364 North McDowell Blvd. Suite 20
Petaluma CA 94954

[tranewreck]

Parkside (Taraval and 16th) still carries zaatar as does the market on Irving and 23rd.

[linz]

thanks! but i'm ALSO looking for good places in general to buy bulk spices, teas, etc. and not just middle eastern food (though i will check out those markets)

[bernalgirl]

Are you sure you don't mean 22nd & Irving? That's the one with Mediterranean and Middle Eastern items (including raw olives and green walnuts in season and a nice selection of kefir cheeses). 23rd & Irving is an Asian market.

[wolverine61]

You might check with the halal stores around San Pablo and University in Berkeley.
I once tried a number of places for ras al hanout. I was told by one of the shop keepers
that it would be hard to find since each family had its own recipe So if all else fails:
INGREDIENTS:

* 1/4 cup sumac
* 2 tablespoons thyme
* 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
* 2 tablespoons marjoram
* 2 tablespoons oregano
* 1 teaspoon coarse salt

PREPARATION:
Grind the sesame seeds in food processor or with mortar and pestle. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.

Store in a cool, dark place in a plastic zip bag or in an airtight container. When stored properly, the spice mixture can be used from 3-6 months.

[Gary Soup]

Here's a thread from a couple of years ago that might help.

http://www.chowhound.com/topics/40169...