What is Sumac?

When it comes to sumac, Zerrin has lovely memories of her grandmother using it quite often. She grew up in Tarsus, a city in the south of Turkey where sumac plants are grown.

She recalls her granny telling her that lemons were not easy to find back in her time. Instead, they used sumac in their cooking for its tart flavor.

One vivid memory Zerrin has is of her grandmother making sumac sour sauce, something similar to pomegranate molasses, by boiling sumac berries. Her granny also loved using ground sumac in soups and stews.

So, writing about sumac is extra special for us today as it reminds us of our Turkish roots and family traditions. 

In this post, you will learn what sumac is, how it tastes, how it is used in cooking, where you can find it, our favorite recipes using it, and much more. 

What is Sumac Spice?

The word "sumac" (sumak in Turkish or summaq in Arabic) is pronounced "soo-mak."

Sumac spice comes from the dried and ground berries of sumac plants. The plant itself is a small shrub or tree with bright red berries that grow in clusters. 

In Turkey, it is grown mainly in the southern and western regions, where the climate is ideal for the plant. The berries are harvested, dried, and then ground into a coarse powder that has a deep red color.

This deep red spice is known for its tangy flavor. 

It is popular in Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisines. Countries like Iran, Lebanon, and Syria use sumac extensively in their cooking. You can also find it in Mediterranean and North African dishes.

What Does It Taste Like? 

Sumac has a unique, tangy flavor that's often compared to lemon but milder and more balanced. It's tart, slightly fruity and earthy, and brings a refreshing taste to dishes. 

Think of it as having a zestier flavor than lemon zest. Its tangy profile is similar to tamarind or a light sprinkle of citric acid. 

How To Use It in Cooking

Sumac is a versatile spice that can be used in any dish where you would normally use lemon juice. 

The most common culinary use of sumac is in salad dressings or salads like Turkish Shepherd Salad and Arabic Fattoush Salad. But its versatility doesn’t stop there.

Although not very traditional in Turkey, sumac is great in marinades, especially for lamb kebabs, in any meat or chicken dish, and in dolma (stuffed vegetables). It's also a fantastic garnish on hummus or soups.

For a unique twist, use whole sumac berries in pickling spice blend. 

You can also make beverages with sumac. For sumac lemonade, make a simple syrup with sumac spice and combine it with water and fresh lemon juice. 

Get creative with sumac by sprinkling it on scrambled eggs and dips, or adding it to roasted vegetables. Some even use it in chocolate desserts like brownies! Don’t be shy—experiment with sumac in any dish you want.

Sumac in Turkish Cuisine

In Turkish cuisine, sumac is used in two main forms: Sour sauce and ground spice. 

The sumac sauce, a liquid form, is used in salad dressings, but not very common in the country. 

However, ground sumac spice is quite popular and is used in many different ways. Some of the most popular Turkish recipes with sumac include: 

• Sumac Onions: Raw onions flavored with sumac. 
• Piyaz: A white bean salad with onions and sumac.
• Çoban Salata: A shepherd’s salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. 
• Roasted Onion Salad: Onions roasted and seasoned with sumac. 
• Lahana Sarma: Turkish style cabbage rolls.
• Yaprak Sarma: Turkish style stuffed grape leaves.
• Acılı Ezme: A spicy tomato and pepper salad like salsa.
• Green Olive Salad: A fresh salad with green olives, tomatoes, onions and sumac. 
• Pomegranate Molasses Salad Dressing: A tangy dressing made with pomegranate molasses, olive oil, lemon and sumac. 

Besides these Turkish dishes, sumac spice is also used to garnish homemade hummus and soups like Turkish lentil soup. We even love to sprinkle it on cacık (Turkish yogurt and cucumber dip) and the yogurt sauce on mantı (Turkish dumplings).

In Turkey, it's also a classic remedy to eat boiled potatoes with sumac and salt when you have an upset stomach. Just boil the potatoes, roughly chop them, and sprinkle sumac and salt over them for a simple and soothing dish.

Interested in adding authentic Turkish flavors to your dishes? Give our Turkish spice mix a try!

Where Can I Buy It?

You can typically find sumac in the spice aisle or the international foods section of most grocery stores. For a wider selection, check out Mediterranean or Middle Eastern  stores, where sumac is commonly available.

Also, you can use online shops. Try Amazon, specialty spice retailers, and Middle Eastern food websites.

Tip: When buying sumac, make sure it does not contain food coloring or citric acid in the ingredients. Look for products that list sumac and salt or just sumac as the ingredients. 

As for the liquid version called sumac sauce (sumak ekşisi), unfortunately, it is not easy to find outside Turkey. However, if you come across it, the most famous Turkish brands are Arifoğlu and Kemal Kükrer.

How to Store It 

To keep sumac powder fresh, store it in an airtight container or glass jars with tight lids. Place the container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.

Sumac typically lasts about one to two years. If it starts to lose its vibrant red color or the tanginess becomes weak, it might be time to replace it. 

Is There a Substitute for Sumac? 

It's almost impossible to replace the unique tartness of sumac spice, but you can mimic it with a few alternatives. 

Lemon zest mixed with a bit of salt can give a similar tangy flavor. A blend of lemon juice and a little vinegar also works well. Tamarind paste or pomegranate molasses can provide a similar tartness.

Another option is za'atar, a spice blend that often contains sumac along with thyme and sesame seeds. While it won't be exactly the same, it can add a similar zesty  and floral notes to your dishes.

Is It Poisonous?

According to Wikipedia, there is a clear difference between edible sumac and poisonous sumac (Rhus toxicodendron):

Edible sumac, used in cooking, has red or reddish-brown berries that grow in dense clusters. 

On the other hand, poison sumac has white berries and can cause severe allergic reactions.

Is Sumac Healthy?

According to Healthline, sumac is packed with antioxidants, which might help protect your cells from damage. This might also help reduce inflammation in the body.