#sumac spice

[noshes4nerds]

Fetch Quest: Sumac

Everyone loves lemons. They’re sour, zesty and make everything (especially seafood) more flavorful. But I know one thing everyone hates about lemons; preparing them! You skin yourself zesting them, the seeds get everywhere, the juice gets into your eyes, it’s not fun! But believe it or not, you can have your lemon and eat it too (sort of). Introducing sumac: the dried and ground up  red berries of a Middle Eastern cousin of the delicious and overpriced Cashew nut. This sumac is not to be confused with Poison Sumac, a close relative of poison ivy. Taste: This spice is like powdered lemon zest (grated skin). It’s super tart, tangy, and slightly bitter. Use it where you’d use lemon zest or use it as a flavor enhancer. It’s especially delicious on white fish! Possible Substitute: Lemon zest or powdered citric acid, I guess. How to Find: You’re gonna want to go to a specialty market for this one. Hit up any Persian, Middle-Eastern, or Israeli grocery store. You can also order it online , if you’re willing to pony up for the shipping cost.

[naturebox-blog-blog]

What Is Sumac?

by Amanda Natividad, NatureBox Editor

What's this bright spice, you ask?

It's sumac!

Often used in Mediterranean recipes, sumac is actually a berry, and it grows on bushes mainly in southern Italy and the Middle East. It is usually dried and sold whole, or dried then ground into a reddish-purple powder.

How does it taste?

It's bright, lemony, fruity, and totally refreshing. It is often used to flavor meats and salads in Middle Eastern cuisine, and as a garnish in Arab cuisine. In Iranian cuisine, it is typically added to rice and kebabs. 

There isn't anything quite like it, although if you really had to, you could substitute lemon juice in its place. You can use it to flavor whatever you think needs a more acidic flavor, but it goes best with meat (especially gamey red meats like lamb), salad, grilled vegetables, and as garnishes for dips and rice.

Where can it be purchased?

Sumac can't be found at most grocery stores, but you should be able to find it in gourmet shops like Williams-Sonoma and Dean & Deluca. Likely, you'll find it ground, and it'll be best stored like your other spices - in an airtight container, away from light and heat, at room temperature or cooler.

Want to add sumac to your meals? Try this Sumac-Spiced Chickpea and Black Bean Salad!

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Amanda really wants to help you cook delicious foods and sustain a healthier lifestyle. When she’s not goofing around on Twitter she’s probably noshing on the pile of NatureBox snacks at her desk.