What is sumac spice used for?
It is a versatile spice, and can be added to a meat rub, used as a flavoring in vegetable dishes (such as eggplant), and is the perfect seasoning for homemade hummus. Sumac is an ideal match for lamb and duck as it cuts through the fattiness of the meat.
What is sumac spice made from?
Sumac comes from the fruit of a bush indigenous to the Middle East. The bush is actually a member of the cashew family and the fruit is used widely in Turkey and other Arabic countries. Sumac is a main ingredient in the Middle Eastern spice blend Za’atar.
Is staghorn sumac edible?
When most people think of “sumac,” they think of the itchy relative of poison ivy. Staghorn sumac, however, is an entirely different variety, and is both edible and delicious!
Is sumac spice poisonous?
Most importantly, eating sumac spice will not end in disaster as it is not poisonous. Unlike its close relatives – poison sumac, ivy, and oak – landscape sumacs do not cause rashes, hives, or other conditions, and neither does the spice derived from the plant.
Is sumac the same as turmeric?
The sumac taste is very distinct, though, and quite different from turmeric. Turmeric has a bitter, slightly pungent flavor that works well with most dishes. Sumac, on the other hand, is more tangy and lemony, which is why lemon zest mixed with black pepper is often used as a sumac spice substitute.
How do you use sumac in cooking?
We love sumac in marinades and rubs, in spice mixes for seasoning roasted and grilled meats. Try sprinkling a pinch of sumac over hummus and creamy dips, salads, side dishes, and fish. Here are some of our favorite recipes that get a flavor kick from sumac.
What is sumac taste like?
It has a pleasant tangy taste with a hint of citrus fruitiness and virtually no aroma. An essential ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine, sumac is used in spice rubs, marinades and dressings, and is also served as a condiment.
What spice can replace sumac?
Substitute for Sumac Sumac replacements range from lemon zest, lemon pepper, lemon juice or vinegar to replicate the tart flavor of sumac. But, beware that you should use less of these substitutes than the recipe calls for as they are more powerful than the sumac flavor.
Is staghorn sumac poisonous?
Yes, there is poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), which will definitely cause a rash that is worse than poison ivy (poison sumac is found only in swamps). But staghorn sumac is not poisonous. If fact, it is rich in its contributions to the environment.
Can staghorn sumac be used as a spice?
Until the Romans introduced lemons to Europe, sumac was used as a spice to impart foods with a lemony tang and lovely burst of color. Since then, it has been used for medicinal purposes, but most people today turn it into spice mixes, teas, sauces and syrups.
Where can I find sumac spice?
The spice aisle is the place you’re probably going to find ground sumac or whole sumac berries in. Look in the spice rack with the other seasonings or on a nearby shelf.
Is sumac good for high blood pressure?
Our clinical trial study suggests that sumac powder may be a suitable choice for reducing blood pressure, serum liver enzymes and steatosis in individuals with NAFLD. Also, it can improve lipid profile.