Boaz Zahavi made Aliya from Yemen at the age of six without his mother and father and grew up on a kibbutz. As a young man Boaz married Michal, also from Yemenite origin, and it was her traditional Yemenite cooking that started bringing back his childhood memories. Boaz was most affected by the Zhug. Thus, from memories of Yemen’s natural landscapes, tastes, aromas and spicy sauces, our story was born.

The story really begins with taste. A combination of unique tastes of herbs, chili peppers and garlic merged into one that defines our Zhug here at Zahavi.

Boaz understood the Israeli kitchen’s need for Zhug over forty years ago and set about recreating the traditional flavor. His efforts paid off and with time Zhug found its way into most Israeli kitchens and became a generic trademark, an eponym. Now a well-guarded trade secret, our Zhug is packaged with Boaz’s face on each jar.

Boaz explains, “Zhug is an old time product that was known to few outside of Yemenite culture. Over time the spicy sweet spread has established itself as a signature flavor that people long for.”

“Our company was founded on our love for hot peppers and garlic. The garlic and the Chilies play an equally critical role in our success story, and you can say that Zhug would not come into being without either. Combined with our special seasoning and herb blend, Zhug adds an aroma and spiciness that make food interesting and fun to eat.”

“Peeling garlic cloves would always bring about childhood memories and a yearning for Seluf Soup with Hilbe. The flavors had a visceral effect on me, it was clear to me that if I could reproduce the essence of my childhood in a fairly priced food product, it would be a hit. I think we did very well.”