The Spice Trader Sumac - 40g

Sumac comes from the berries of a wild bushy shrub that thrives in poor soils and grows wild in all Mediterranean areas and parts of the Middle East. The highest quality sumac berries comes from higher altitude areas.

Native range  

Mediterranean Region, Middle East Region, Central Asia

Taste and aroma  

Sumac has a mild, aromatic aroma. The taste is sour, fruity, and astringent. Sumac brings out the flavours of the food to which it is added, much the same as salt does.

Culinary uses  

Sumac is an essential ingredient in cuisine from the Middle East (especially Lebanon) and Turkey, where it is used as a major souring agent (where other regions would employ lemon, tamarind, or vinegar) and as a condiment. It is rubbed on to kebabs before grilling and may be used in this way with fish or chicken. The juice extracted from sumac is popular in salad dressings and marinades and the powdered form is used in stews and vegetable and chicken casseroles. Sumac can be mixed with yoghurt and fresh herbs to make a dipping sauce or side dish.

Storage 

Whole sumac berries can last for a year or more, Ground sumac should be stored in an airtight container in a cool dark place and will last for several months.