For generations, women have quietly carried the culinary heritage of the Eastern Mediterranean; preserving flavors, techniques, and traditions through repetition, intuition, and care. Kamā, a woman-owned and operated company founded by Jumana Jacir in Amman, Jordan, brings this heritage forward with intention, craft, and purpose.
We are proud to reintroduce Kamā after a long-anticipated pause and to share the story behind this extraordinary company, their values, people, and products that make it so distinctive.
For Jumana, Kamā has always been about more than food. It is about culture, connection, and opportunity, particularly for women. Before opening Kamā, she searched for a reliable source of high-quality regional ingredients. What she found instead was a larger calling.
“I wanted to represent women who are underprivileged”
she explains. Many of the women who now work at Kama had never previously had access to paid employment.
In 2013, Jumana officially registered Kamā as a business. She began modestly, with a single room and a small, dedicated team. By 2016, the first products were launched, each one shaped by patience, care, and a belief in doing things the right way, not the easy way.
That philosophy begins with ingredients. Kamā sources thoughtfully, prioritizing quality, seasonality, and long-term relationships. The production facility is staffed entirely by women, and ingredients are sourced primarily from women-led farms and local growers who share a deep respect for the land. Farmers work seasonally rather than year-round, allowing soil to regenerate naturally and reducing reliance on chemical inputs. These labor-intensive practices support both environmental health and the livelihoods of everyone involved in the production chain.
These choices may appear small or painstaking from the outside, but they are central to Jumana’s vision. Kamā is not built around slogans or campaigns; it is the natural continuation of a heritage women have upheld for centuries, working behind the scenes with skill, discipline, and care.
Jumana’s background reflects this balance of advocacy and design. With years spent educating others about Jordanian culture and cuisine, and a degree in design from Concordia University in Montreal, she ultimately chose to build a company guided by her own values. Kamā’s packaging reflects this philosophy: restrained, functional, and intentional. Each jar features a single, understated label, allowing the natural colors and textures of the ingredients to take center stage—proof that products deserving of attention don’t need embellishment.
We are excited to welcome back several beloved Kamā staples. Za’atar and Sumac return in expanded formats, including larger jars and bulk bags designed for professional kitchens. Core pantry essentials Date Molasses and Tahiniyeh are now unified in a consistent jar format, simplifying shelf presentation, storage, and inventory. Red shatta returns alongside Green Shatta with Za’atar Leaves, rounding out the foundation of the line.
New to the U.S. market is Kamā’s best-selling Pickled Za’atar with Walnuts. A vibrant interpretation of a classic, this condiment delivers bright acidity, herbaceous depth, and a satisfying crunch. Fresh thyme is hand-picked at peak season, gently brined to preserve its aroma, then paired with crushed walnuts for richness and texture; ready for both traditional and modern applications.
Also debuting is Pomegranate Molasses, prepared the way it has always been: pressed and slowly reduced with patience and restraint. Deeply tangy and complex, it enhances savory dishes and desserts alike. (Try it drizzled over vanilla ice cream, it may be the best flavor never* created.)
Finally, Spicy Makdous joins the lineup. Small, tender eggplants are traditionally stuffed with walnuts, garlic, and chilis, then preserved in olive oil. The result is bold, tangy, and deeply satisfying—a classic delicacy that showcases both technique and time.
Kamā isn’t simply about exceptional ingredients. It is about honoring tradition, empowering women, and sharing the richness of Jordanian cuisine with the world. Every jar carries a legacy of women’s hands and expertise, and every step reflects care, intention, and passion. From the wild thyme fields to the family kitchens where recipes are preserved, Kamā invites chefs, home cooks, and food lovers alike to experience something truly meaningful.
Kamā means “desert truffle” in Arabic and was the inspiration for the name of her company. As Jumana reminds us:
“When you find Kamā, you find the treasure of the Arab world.”
-Jumana Jacir
– Jumana and her team