Sumac 125 g

Sumac

Sumac is an extremely popular spice in the Middle East. The bright red berries, which are a real culinary speciality, grow on a shrub called Rhus coriaria. When the berries are ripe, they are picked and dried, and only then ground into a coarse powder. They are also occasionally used whole. They most commonly originate from the Mediterranean, Sicily or Turkey.

Sumac adds a vivid red colour and a tartness similar to lemon juice to dishes. It is also found in the spice blend Zatar, a distinctive yet popular Arabic spice mixture. In terms of flavour, sumac is most reminiscent of freshly squeezed lemon juice, followed by a tart aftertaste, which is why it is often used as a souring agent in Arabic and Lebanese cuisine and, much like salt, brings out the natural flavours of dishes. It also pairs perfectly with other spices, such as allspice, chilli or cumin. It is truly an indispensable spice in Middle Eastern recipes.

The name ‘sumac’ derives from the word summaq, which simply means dark red. The history of this spice dates back at least 2,000 years, when it was used, amongst other things, as a remedy to alleviate health problems. It was used as a diuretic and a remedy for bloating. In some places, it was even used to treat coughs, sore throats and stomach problems.

Uses

Sumac is a truly versatile spice, as it can be used to season meat dishes and vegetables. It can be added to all sorts of sauces, marinades, spreads, salad dressings, and it goes perfectly with homemade hummus.

Although it can be added whilst cooking, we recommend adding sumac to dishes just before serving, as this is the only way it develops its full aroma and flavour.

Ingredients

Ingredients: sumac 95%, salt 5%.

Storage

Store the opened product in a dry, dark place and use it as soon as possible. Ensure that the bag or box is tightly sealed.

Packaging

An airtight zip-lock bag, in which the product retains all its freshness and aroma. The packaging protects against light and air, as it consists of several layers of protection that preserve the properties of the contents.

The packaging is very practical and can be recycled.

Origin

Turkey