Zhug (Zhoug) from the Near East Collection by Merchant Spice Co.

🍽️Embark on a sensory journey through the crossroads of tradition and innovation with Merchant Spice Co.’s Near East Collection Blends, where masterful craftsmanship meets a vibrant mosaic of flavor. Each blend is meticulously handcrafted by our artisans, honoring time-honored techniques and the diverse culinary heritage of the Near East. From the savory warmth of classic profiles and the refreshing brightness of minty notes to the invigorating kick of spicy varieties and the delicate touch of floral accents, these blends capture the essence of the region’s rich and varied cuisines. Discover the care, skill, and passion woven into each seasoning—transforming simple ingredients into a celebration of flavor, heritage, and artistry inspired by the countries and cultures of the Near Eastern European continent. Each one of Merchant Spice Co.'s specially crafted blends will bring home to you the flavors of the world's finest cuisines.

Merchant Spice Co.s Zhug Seasoning – a Yemeni Herb & Fire Blend is a vibrant, green-spiced seasoning that evokes the heat of desert winds and the brightness of citrus groves. Cilantro and coriander offer a verdant, earthy lift, while minced garlic and black cumin ground the blend in savory depth. Aleppo pepper and red chile flakes stir with smoky warmth, softened by the floral heat of cardamom and clove. Lemon zest and pure lemon oil shimmer through with sunlit clarity—bright, aromatic, and electrifying.

🏺The story behind the Spice: Zhug (also spelled zhoug or skhug) originates in Yemen, where it was traditionally prepared as a fresh green paste—pounded by hand and served alongside grilled meats, flatbreads, and rice. Its bold flavor and herbal intensity made it a staple of Yemeni Jewish cuisine, later carried across the Middle East and Mediterranean through migration and trade.

Cilantro, coriander, and garlic formed the aromatic backbone of the original paste, while black cumin (Nigella) added a distinctive, slightly bitter depth. Cardamom and clove, prized in Arabian spice markets, brought floral warmth and complexity. Aleppo pepper and red chile flakes reflect the Levantine influence, adding smoky heat and subtle fruitiness. Lemon zest and essential oil, though a modern flourish, echo the region’s love of citrus—used to brighten and balance bold flavors.

Today, Zhug has evolved into dry blends and sauces, embraced across cultures for its intensity and versatility. It remains a symbol of spice-driven cuisine—where heat meets herb, and every bite tells a story of fire and freshness.

👨‍🍳Seasoning Impressions: This is a seasoning of bold contrasts: Herbaceous and fiery with citrus-bright lift and floral spice, this blend offers bold heat, savory depth, and a vibrant, lingering finish.

🍽️Flavors to Elevate your culinary creations: Originating in Yemen, this intriguing blend has spread throughout the Middle East. Exotically delicious, this spirited seasoning can be used to flavor all manner of meat, bean and vegetable dishes, and most especially Yemeni-style stews, such as ‘saltah’.

🫙 Ingredients: Cilantro, Aleppo pepper, coriander, minced garlic, cardamom, red chile flakes, black cumin, lemon zest, clove and pure essential oil of lemon

About this Product
Each on of Merchant Spice Co.'s specially crafted blends will bring home to you the flavors of the world's finest cuisines.

Packaged in a stand-up, resealable bag for your convenience.
All-natural and salt-free

Net weight: 1.2 oz.; also available in 4.0 oz. and 8.0 oz. chef-size, bulk packaging.

🌿Enjoy the Spice of Life!