Now that we have Marzeh from Iran, our Sabzi collection at Reyhan Herb Farm is nearing completion. Marzeh’s role in the Sabzi world is to be a Strong, Dry, and Stately addition. It pairs very well with meat, lending a sage-and-rosemary-like flavor profile, and with eggs. Yet in comparison to sage, rosemary, thyme, and the other Dry, Woody herbs found in the Mint family, it has a supple juiciness. It’s found in the same genus as several varieties of Za’atar, and can be a suitable substitution when dried.

Marzeh is a warmth-loving plant that cannot grow in the cold. Wait to plant it until the chance of frost has passed. On the farm, I transplanted it this year but look forward to direct-sowing it in the future. This is the smallest seed of all the seed crops I have grown! Keep cutting and eating or drying it until its little purple flowers dominate the branches. At that point, the plant loses its suppleness and focuses on growing its seeds.