Francesca's Spices - Sumac, 50g
Sumac – A Fruity, Tangy Spice from the Middle Eastern Kitchen
Sumac (Rhus coriaria) is one of the characteristic spices of the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Made from the red berries of a wild-growing shrub, which are dried and ground, it has a distinctive deep reddish colour and an intensely fruity, tangy flavour.
Its refreshing acidity makes sumac a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern cooking, where it is often used in much the same way as lemon juice: to brighten dishes with a sharp, citrus-like tang while adding its own distinctive fruity notes.
Versatile and full of character, sumac is an easy way to introduce the distinctive flavours of Middle Eastern cuisine into everyday cooking.
Botanical name: Rhus coriaria
How to use sumac in cooking
Sumac is particularly popular in Lebanese and other Middle Eastern cuisines. It is delicious sprinkled over fresh salads, flatbreads and vegetable dishes. It is a signature seasoning in fattoush, the classic Lebanese bread salad, and a pinch of sumac can bring a wonderfully refreshing edge to simple tomato or cucumber salads.
Its tangy character also makes it an excellent addition to marinades for fish and seafood, as well as a flavourful seasoning for lamb kebabs and slow-cooked meat stews. For a simple Middle Eastern-inspired dip, stir sumac into natural yoghurt with a drizzle of olive oil and a crushed clove of garlic. Serve with bread or raw vegetables.
Throughout the Middle East, sumac is often served at the table in a small bowl alongside chilli powder, allowing everyone to season their food according to taste.


