{"id":10106,"date":"2023-05-25T09:00:03","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T09:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.foodchamps.org\/?p=10106"},"modified":"2023-05-31T16:16:14","modified_gmt":"2023-05-31T16:16:14","slug":"what-is-sumac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.foodchamps.org\/what-is-sumac\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Sumac? The Hidden Ingredient Of The Middle East"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you often sit down to enjoy Middle Eastern cuisine you\u2019ve likely come across sumac in certain recipes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"What<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Sumac is a delicious red pepper that is used in a range of different Middle Eastern dishes, including fattoush salad and lamb kofta. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, have you ever wondered what sumac is exactly and how to use it in your dishes? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we have compiled all of the information you need on sumac, the secret ingredient of the middle east! Let\u2019s dive in<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Sumac?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sumac is a spice that is added to many dishes. It is native to many different parts of the world including Africa, North America, and Asia and it is grown on a flowering plant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These plants can grow in lots of different environments, including open woodlands and coastal areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumac contains lots of essential nutrients that are beneficial to the health of both humans and animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The leaves of the Sumac plant contain lots of protein. Sumac is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins which help promote a healthy lifestyle.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumac is also often used as a natural dye for certain fabrics. It has been used around the world for hundreds of years and it is a very important natural resource!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Does Sumac Taste Like?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sumac is very commonly used as a spice in many different Middle Eastern dishes. It is often used to season meat or used in salads to add flavor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumac has a lemon-like taste which is quite tart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumac Uses<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sumac is used in lots of different ways. It is a very versatile resource that has many fantastic uses. These include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Certain Dishes <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The taste of the spice is a great addition to lots of different dishes. It is commonly used to flavor meats or salads. Sumac is also used in certain soups and stews to add flavor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumac is also used as the main ingredient in certain spice blends including advieh and za\u2019atar. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The leaves of the sumac plant are often used to brew tea. The dried berries from the plant can also be used to flavor tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tea is a very popular drink all over the world, and sumac is a common ingredient in lots of different teas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Medicinal Properties <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sumac has many different medicinal uses. It contains lots of antioxidants, so it is used to relieve inflammation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can use sumac to treat inflammation by crushing the berries and applying it topically.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumac spiced tea has been used as a home remedy, too. It has been known as a treatment for indigestion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutritious <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sumac is very high in vitamins and minerals making it very nutritious. For this reason, it is a great addition to any diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skin Care <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sumac is also used in skincare products. It is often added to exfoliating scrubs or face masks to help nourish the skin. It will leave your skin feeling glowing and smooth! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Natural Dye <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sumac also makes a fantastic natural dye for fabric. It will turn your fabric red or orange when it is used effectively as a dye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cooking With Sumac<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the Middle East, sumac is used to add a tang to certain dishes. It is high in acidity, making it a great pair to dishes like lamb and chicken. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It cuts through the richness of the dish, evening out the flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumac also works very well in salad dressings, marinades, and homemade dips. They are elevated by this delicious spice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sumac is also delicious when it is added to your favorite hummus<\/a>, giving a delicious additional flavor to the snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use sumac in desserts. Simply add a pinch over your favorite ice cream or cookie! It adds a delicious acidic flavor to these desserts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Grind Sumac?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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To use Sumac in the ways listed above, you will likely need to grind it before use. This is a simple process that only requires a few simple pieces of equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will just need a mortar and pestle, a bowl, and some sumac berries! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Follow the steps below to grind your sumac:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. First, place a tablespoon of berries into the mortar. They can either be fresh or dried berries. With your pestle, press down on the berries and grind them until it develops into a powder. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Then, continue grinding the berries until they form a smooth powder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. After you are satisfied with this, transfer the sumac to a clean bowl or an airtight container to store until you are ready to use it!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Once you have ground your sumac you can add it to your dishes for a delicious, subtle flavor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Try using it as a seasoning for fish or chicken. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sumac can also be used as a substitute for lemon juice due to its similar flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sumac Substitutes\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    There are lots of different things that you can use in place of Sumac. There are lots of things that taste similar to the spice that is made from the sumac plant! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lemon Juice\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n