Sumac: The Superfood Spice You Need to Know

Have you ever tasted sumac? This Middle Eastern spice may be the secret ingredient missing from your pantry. With its tangy, lemony flavor and potential health benefits, sumac is becoming popular in kitchens worldwide. 

But where can you find it? And how can you use it in your cooking? In this article, we’ll explore the world of sumac and discover its many uses and benefits. 

From reducing inflammation to improving heart health, sumac may be the superfood spice you need to know. So, let’s get started!

What Is Sumac?

What is sumac? Sumac is a spice from the cashew family and is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine. The small, fuzzy drupe grows on trees and can bring acidity to food without adding extra liquid. 

However, it is essential to note that the culinary variety of sumac is safe to eat and unrelated to the poisonous shrub by the same name.

Sumac has a distinct lemony flavor and is used in various dishes, including salads, meat dishes, and dips. Here are some interesting facts about sumac:

• Sumac has been used in cooking for centuries and was even mentioned in the Bible.
• It is a popular ingredient in the spice blend za’atar, which also includes thyme and sesame seeds.
• Sumac has anti-inflammatory properties and may help with digestion.
• It can also be used as a natural dye for textiles and has been used in traditional medicine for its healing properties.

The Health Benefits Of Sumac

Sumac has numerous health benefits. It’s packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants for your body. 

Research shows that sumac helps regulate blood sugar levels and protects against liver damage. This natural souring agent also boasts anti-inflammatory properties, supports cardiovascular health and has antibacterial benefits. 

Additionally, it’s an excellent substitute for lemon or vinegar in cooking.

Sumac’s health benefits go beyond regulating blood sugar and protecting the liver. Here are some more ways this Mediterranean spice can have a positive impact on your health:

• Anti-inflammatory effects: Sumac contains flavonoids and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These compounds reduce inflammation in the body, improving joint mobility and reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.
• Metabolic support: Sumac is rich in fiber, which can help regulate digestion and promote a healthy gut. Additionally, it helps reduce cholesterol levels and supports metabolism.
• Astringent benefits: Sumac has astringent properties, which can help tighten tissues and reduce excess oil on the skin’s surface. It also has a toning effect on muscles and can help strengthen the skin and tissues.

How To Use Sumac In Cooking

Sumac can be used in cooking in a variety of ways. It can be sprinkled on melons or used in a dry marinade for meat. 

Sumac contains an enzyme that helps to tenderize meat, making it juicier and softer. Sumac can enhance the flavors of grilled meats, salads, and more.

Sumac adds a tangy and lemony flavor to dishes. Here are some great ways to use it in cooking:

• Sprinkle sumac on top of roasted vegetables or grilled meats.
• Mix sumac into salad dressings for extra tanginess.
• Add sumac to roasted nuts for a unique and flavorful snack.
• Use sumac as a seasoning for rice dishes, such as pilaf.
• Mix sumac into hummus or other dips for a twist on classic recipes.

If you want to use sumac as a meat tenderizer, simply sprinkle it on top of the meat before grilling or roasting. The enzyme in sumac will help break down the stiff fibers in the heart, resulting in a more tender and juicy dish.

When using sumac in marinades or dressings, balance it with other flavors to avoid overpowering the dish. Sumac pairs well with herbs like mint, thyme, and parsley and ingredients like olive oil and yogurt.

Sumac Recipes To Try

Sumac is a versatile spice that can be used in various delicious recipes. Some of the best sumac recipes include:

• Fattoush salad with chickpeas: This Middle Eastern salad features crisp veggies, chewy chickpeas, and a tangy sumac dressing.
• Baked feta with sumac and grapes: A simple yet elegant appetizer that pairs creamy feta with sweet grapes and a sprinkling of sumac.
• Sumac-spiced lamb piles: These Turkish-style pizzas are topped with tender lamb and a fragrant mix of sumac, cumin, and other spices.
• Roasted strawberries dusted with sumac and lemon juice: A surprising and flavorful dessert that balances sweet fruit with tangy sumac.

Try incorporating sumac in your cooking to add a unique tang and depth of flavor to your dishes.

Sumac pairs well with many ingredients, including:

• Vegetables: Sumac can liven up roasted veggies, add brightness to salads, and bring complexity to soups and stews.
• Cheese: Sumac’s tartness complements rich, creamy cheeses like feta, goat cheese, and labneh.
• Meat: Sumac’s complex flavors work well with chicken, lamb, and beef.
• Desserts: Sumac’s tanginess can be refreshing to sweet treats like roasted fruits and ice cream.

When cooking with sumac, keep in mind the following:

• Sumac is quite tart, so a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
• Sumac is often used as a finishing spice, sprinkled over dishes before serving.
• Sumac can also be used as a substitute for lemon juice or vinegar in dressings and marinades.
• Sumac pairs well with other herbs and spices like mint, oregano, cumin, and coriander.

Where To Buy Sumac

Where to buy sumac? It’s easy to find both online and in grocery stores. Online retailers like Amazon offer brands such as Zamouri Spices. 

Meanwhile, Whole Foods, Safeway, Kroger, Middle Eastern markets, and Walmart all carry sumac. However, availability may vary. For specialty or international calls, check the local directory or search engines.

Sumac is made from the dried and crushed fruit of the sumac plant. The sauce has a tart, lemony flavor that adds depth to meat, fish, vegetables, dips, salads, and dressings. 

Sumac may be more commonly associated with Middle Eastern dishes, but this spice is found worldwide.

When purchasing sumac, quality is critical to achieving the best flavor. Look for a brand that is fresh, pure, and organic. Some sellers may mix sumac with other spices or fillers, so check the ingredient list.

Lastly, consider the price. Sumac can range from $3 to $20 per ounce, depending on the brand, location, and packaging. Buying in bulk online is usually the cheapest option, while a smaller packet in-store is best if you only need a small amount. 

Adding sumac to your spice collection can elevate your cooking and introduce new flavors to your palate regardless of where you purchase.

Sumac Substitute

If you cannot find this spice in your local grocery store or are allergic to it, many sumac substitutes can add a similar tang to your dish. 

Some of the best replacements include lemon zest, lemon pepper, lemon juice, vinegar, tamarind, za’atar, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and citric acid. These substitutes are more potent than sumac, so use them in small quantities.

Lemon: Lemon is the most commonly used sumac substitute. Its acidic and tart flavor profile can replace sumac in marinades, dressings, and spice blends. Usually, lemon zest, lemon juice, or lemon pepper is used to substitute sumac.

Vinegar: Vinegar is an excellent substitute for sumac. It has a sour taste that can effectively replace the sourness of sumac. Apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar can be used instead of sumac. You can also use vinegar for pickling and salad dressings.

Tamarind: Tamarind is a fruit with a tart and tangy taste. It can be used as a sumac substitute in dishes that require a sour flavor, such as stews, soups, and curries. Tamarind paste can be used to replace sumac.

Za’atar: Za’atar is a spice blend that contains sumac. It is widely used with international spices in Middle Eastern cuisine and grocery stores. Use za’atar in place of sumac to add flavor to dips, salads, and roasted vegetables.

Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika is an excellent sumac substitute that can add a rich and smoky flavor to your dish. It works well in marinades, rubs, and spice blends.