What is sumac (original) (raw)

What is sumac

Sumac (pronounced SOO-mak) is the fruit of a shrub (Rhus coriaria) that grows throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean. These berries vary in colour from brick red to dark purple, depending on where the shrub is grown.

Berries are harvested just before they ripen, then left in the sun to dry. While whole dried berries are available in the growing regions, in Australia sumac is usually sold as a coarse or fine powder.

Prior to the introduction of lemons, the Romans used sumac as a souring agent. It has a pleasant tangy taste with a hint of citrus fruitiness and virtually no aroma.

What is sumac used for in cooking

An essential ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, sumac is used in spice rubs, marinades and dressings, and is also served as a condiment.

Along with sesame seeds and dried thyme, it’s one of the main ingredients in the spice mix za’atar, which is used to flavour meat and vegetables, or mixed with oil to make a paste that’s spread on bread before baking.

Sumac goes well with chicken, fish and seafood, lamb, eggplant, chickpeas and lentils. For a delicious marinade or dressing, mix it with yoghurt and other herbs and spices such as chilli, coriander, cumin, paprika and parsley.

More sumac ideas

Blend salt and sumac in a ratio of four-to-one, or to taste, and serve it instead of table salt with grilled meats.
Combine 1 tbs of olive oil and 1-2 tsp of sumac, then rub over a whole chicken before roasting or rub into beef steaks before barbecuing.
Toast Lebanese bread and break into 3-4cm pieces. Toss gently with sliced grilled lamb, feta, rocket and thinly sliced red onion, and a dressing made with olive oil, sumac and orange juice.
After cooking, toss potato or sweet potato fries with a little sumac.
Make your own za’atar by grinding 1 tbs toasted sesame seeds, 1 tsp sumac, 1 tsp dried thyme leaves and 1/2 tsp sea salt with a mortar and pestle until smooth. Sprinkle it over roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes. For a twist on garlic bread, combine za’atar with butter and spread over bread. Bake until butter melts and bread is golden.

What can I use instead of sumac

Lemon zest is the most readily available alternative to sumac. Simply mix some fresh lemon zest with salt, and you have a sumac alternative ready to use.

Buying and storage

Sumac is available in the spice section of most supermarkets. Sumac will keep in an airtight container for several months.