This ground red berry packs a tart punch.
The deep red specks can be found sprinkled on salads, hummus, meat dishes, rice and more.
What Is Sumac
Sumac comes from the shrubs of theRhusgenus and its scientific name isRhus coriaria.
Interestingly, theRhusgenus comes from theAnacardiaceaefamily, the same family of plants that cashews come from.
The fruit of the sumac plant is a red berry that is dried and ground into the spice.
The plant can also be found in parts of Africa, Asia and North America.
Isn’t Sumac Poisonous?
The sumac spice is not to be confused with the poisonous sumac plant.
The poisonous shrub is a different plant altogether.
What Does Sumac Taste Like?
Its slight sourness makes for a perfect addition to anything that needs a hint of acidity.
What Is Sumac Used For?
It’s such a versatile spice that it can be used in multiple ways, both savory and sweet.
Where Can I Buy Sumac?
The rise in the popularity of sumac means it’s relatively easy to find.
Most grocery stores, including Walmart, Costco, Safeway and Whole Foods, often stock sumac.
you could also find it at various online food stores.
Harvest the most brightly colored berries, as they’ll be the ripest and have the most flavor.
They should be used or dried as soon as possible to prevent them from molding.
To avoid the poisonous sumac plants, stay away from the ones with white or green berries.
To make the sumac spice, the process requires two steps, drying and deseeding.
Then, using a grinder or a blender, pulse the berries down to a rough powder.
Store the ground sumac in a cool, dry, dark place for up to a year.
