Ground Sumac Berries

Ground sumac berries are a tangy, citrus-like spice used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking for seasoning meats, garnishing dips like hummus, and adding flavor to salads. Beyond savory applications, it can be used in desserts, mixed into cocktails, or steeped to make tea.  

Culinary uses

Seasoning meats and proteins: Rub it on chicken, fish, or lamb before cooking, or add it to marinades. 

Garnishing: Sprinkle on top of hummus, baba ganoush, or other dips for both color and flavor. 

Salads: Use as a dressing ingredient or a topping for vegetable and grain salads. A classic use is in fattoush salad. 

Rice and vegetables: Mix with vegetables like onions, cauliflower, or sweet potatoes before roasting, or add to rice dishes. 

Eggs: Sprinkle on fried or deviled eggs to add a zesty kick. 

Spice blends: It is a key component of the Middle Eastern spice blend za'atar. 

Desserts: Use sparingly in recipes like sorbet, fruit compotes, or to rim cocktails for a tangy flavor. 

Beverages: Soak the whole berries in water and strain to make a refreshing, lemony drink (sumac-ade) or brew it as a tea. 

Sauces and dips: Add to yogurt-based dips or vinaigrettes to increase acidity. 

How to use

As a finishing spice: Sprinkle directly onto finished dishes for a burst of flavor and color.

In marinades: Incorporate into marinades for meats and poultry. 

In cooking: Mix into vegetable and meat mixtures during cooking. 

As a substitute for lemon: Its tangy flavor can replace lemon juice or zest, though it will also add a reddish color.