Sumac

Spice

Sumac

Sumac is the ground dried berry of Rhus coriaria, providing tart, lemony red seasoning without liquid acid. Essential to za'atar blends and Levantine grilled meats, salads, and onions. Deep burgundy colour and fruity sourness define quality; salt is often added in commercial grinds.

Also known as: Sumak, Sumac, Summaq, Somāq

Track this ingredient

Unit

Cuts & parts

Breeds & varieties

A sample of named types with their own origin and culinary profiles.

View all

Characteristics

Preparations

CrackedDriedFreshGroundPowderRoastedToastedWhole

Provenance

BiodynamicExport GradeFair TradeHand HarvestedNon-GMOOrganicPesticide FreeSingle OriginSun Dried

Sources

Indoor FarmedOutdoor FarmedWild

Traits

AstringentBrightEarthyFruityLemonMildSourTart

Nutrition and pairings

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 393

Amount per 100 g

  • Total Fat 9.55 g
  • Saturated Fat 1.91 g
  • Trans Fat 0 g
  • Monounsaturated Fat 2.86 g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat 4.78 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Sodium 38.4 mg
  • Salt 0.1 g
  • Total Carbohydrate 65 g
  • Dietary Fibre 25 g
  • Total Sugars 3 g
  • Complex / starch 15.9 g
  • Protein 11.8 g
  • Water 8.84 g

Dried spices are concentrated plant tissue—fibre-heavy by weight, used in gram doses.

In the kitchen

Culinary partners and combinations that usually underperform with Sumac.

Pairs well with

Classic and complementary matches

Usually avoid with

Often clash in flavour or tradition

History

Mediterranean and Near Eastern cooks used sumac berries as a souring spice before widespread citrus.

TR

Sumac became standard in Turkish and Levantine spice mixtures and table seasonings.

Ground sumac entered global Middle Eastern grocery trade.

Chefs worldwide adopted sumac as a bright finishing acid spice.

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