Sumac comes from the fruit of a bush indigenous to the Middle East . The bush is actually a member of the cashew family and the fruit is used widely in Turkey and other Arabic countries. Sumac is a main ingredient in the Middle Eastern spice blend Za'atar.
What Is Sumac? Sumac is one of the most popular spices in many parts of the world. Derived from the sumac plant (not be confused with poison sumac, poison ivy, or poison oak), this spice brings a tangy lemony flavor to dishes that also adds a pop of red color to anything it's cooked with.
What are the health benefits of sumac?
Various scientific studies demonstrated that Sumac had a free oxygen radical-scavenging effect , a protective effect against liver damage, antihemolytic, leukopenia, and antifibrogenic effects, along with its antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
How do you make sumac spice?
- Step 1: Collect Your Sumac and Supplies. Warning Do not eat any wild food unless you can positively identify it. ...
- Step 2: Grind Your Sumac Berries. ...
- Step 3: Strain the Seeds Out of Your Sumac. ...
- Step 4: Make Red “lemon” Pepper and Enjoy. ...
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What is sumac as a spice?
A dried red spice used traditionally in Middle Eastern cooking, sumac is having a moment. Home cooks and chefs alike have have become infatuated by the bright, tart, lightly astringent flavor the spice adds to dishes. The brick red powder is made by crushing the dried fruits of the sumac bush.
What spice is similar to sumac?
What Can You Substitute for Sumac Spice? Given its tart, acidic flavor, sumac is best substituted with lemon zest, lemon pepper seasoning , lemon juice, or vinegar. However, each of these substitutes has a more overpoweringly sour taste than sumac and should therefore be used sparingly as a replacement for the spice.
How do you eat sumac?
Ground, dried sumac berries taste great as a spice rub for lamb, fish and chicken . These berries are also used as a salad topping, and you can include them in your favorite dressings. Middle Eastern chefs use sumac as a topping for fattoush salad, and are often sprinkled on hummus to add both color and a zesty flavor.
What is sumac called in English?
| Sumac | Genus: Rhus L . | Type species | Rhus coriaria L. |
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What is another name for sumac?
All About Sumac | Sumac is also spelt as Sumak, Sumack, Sumach, or Summac (Rhus coriaria) The dried fruits of some Sumach species are ground to produce a tangy, crimson spice popular in many countries.
Is sumac the same as turmeric?
Turmeric. ... The sumac taste is very distinct, though, and quite different from turmeric. Turmeric has a bitter, slightly pungent flavor that works well with most dishes. Sumac, on the other hand, is more tangy and lemony, which is why lemon zest mixed with black pepper is often used as a sumac spice substitute.
Where do you get sumac?
The spice aisle is the place you're probably going to find ground sumac or whole sumac berries in. Look in the spice rack with the other seasonings or on a nearby shelf. The other place to check is the international aisle. If it's there, it will likely be in the Middle Eastern foods section.
Is sumac poisonous to humans?
All parts of a poison sumac plant are poisonous and the oils remain active even after the plant dies. Symptoms of a poison sumac rash appear 8–48 hours after exposure and can last for weeks. Some people are more sensitive to the plants and will have harsher symptoms.
What does sumac taste like?
It has a pleasant tangy taste with a hint of citrus fruitiness and virtually no aroma . An essential ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, sumac is used in spice rubs, marinades and dressings, and is also served as a condiment.
Is Sumac safe to eat?
Sumacs look edible and toxic at the same time , and with good reason: They're in a family that has plants we eat and plants that can make you ill. Sumac, poison ivy, Brazilian pepper, cashews, mangoes and pistachios are all related. Poison ivy, of course, is a problem. ... All the berries of the red sumacs are edible.
What is the difference between poison sumac and regular sumac?
Not Poisonous
But poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) is also a small tree with leaves like regular sumac. Difference is, poison sumac has clusters of grayish white berries that hang down , and the plants grow exclusively in low, wet, or flooded areas such as swamps and peat bogs.
What does sumac go with?
The flavour of sumac is so universally appealing that it's hard to go wrong. Add it to salad dressings or the salads themselves, in fact, add it wherever you would use lemon or lime. It's great on fried fish and on the chips too, rice dishes, and Middle Eastern fare such as hummus, bean or chickpea salads.
