Sumac spice is often compared to lemon zest, but it’s so much more than that! With layers of smoky, sweet, earthy, and tangy flavor, sumac will elevate everything from salad dressings to meat marinades. Learn all about this vibrant Mediterranean spice and how to use it in this essential guide.
Growing up in Egypt, sumac was just another one of the vibrant Mediterranean spices my mom kept stashed in a drawer in our kitchen. But since coming to the states, I’ve come to appreciate how much life this crimson red spice can breathe into to simple recipes. I’ve since made introducing TMD readers to the wonders of sumac one of my missions!
Place a pinch sumac on your tongue and you’ll experience it’s depth immediately: it’s tannic like a dry red wine and acidic like lemon zest. Keep digging and you’ll find subtle layers of sweetness and smoky, earthy notes.
If you’re familiar with Middle Eastern flavors, you may recognize the pucker of Musakhan, or the way it balances the savory notes in Fatayer. If you’re less familiar with classic Middle Eastern dishes, I hope this article will make you feel more equipped to incorporate sumac into your cooking.
Though complex, its lemony flavor is surprisingly approachable. I trust you’ll be adding it to everything from grilled chicken to summer salads to sprinkling a touch of it on avocado toast or popcorn in no time!
Table of Contents
What is Sumac?
Sumac spice comes from the Arabic “summaq,” which means “dark red.” It’s made from the berry fruit of the Rhus Coriaria shrub, which were originally grown in parts of the Mediterranean basin before spreading to Europe.
The berries are dried, then ground and sifted to get rid of the bitter inner seed. The coarse crimson-colored powder is then bottled and sold, or mixed into blends like za’atar.
This type of sumac is also known as “Sicilian sumac” or “Tanner’s sumac.” And it might surprise you to learn that it’s actually a member of the cashew family, anacardiaceae!
What is the Best Sumac Substitute?
Though it won’t have the same tannic qualities and layered flavor, I often recommend using lemon zest in as a substitute for sumac. Keep in mind that lemon zest can burn over high heat, so you may want to save it for the garnish, depending on the recipe. Or you can find the finest all natural, authentic sumac spice at our shop!
How to Use Sumac Spice
You don’t need a recipe to use sumac–use it to bring a tart flavor just like you would lemon zest. Sprinkle your morning toast, soup for lunch, or even blend it into juice. Some more ideas:
- Salads: Add to just about any salad dressing for extra zing, or sprinkle on traditional recipes like Fattoush.
- Dips: Use as a finishing touch on a variety of savory dips, including classics like hummus. You get a contrast between the nutty hummus and the sour spice, adding depth of flavor with no effort at all.
- Meat: Make an eyecatching centerpiece with Turkish-style Kofta Kebab, or keep it simple–and flavorful–for weeknight dinner with Mediterranean Chicken Nachos.
- Fish: Sumac will complement lemon juice, adding another layer of the tart zing that’s a fish recipe’s best friend. Try it on everything from Baked Halibut to bagels and lox.
- Even Dessert! A pinch over your ice-cream, sorbet, or fruit, like the macerated strawberries in our strawberry shortcake recipe.
Where to Buy Sumac
You can find sumac spice at our shop, specialty grocery stores, and Middle Eastern markets. It should be in the spice section, sometimes categorized alphabetically and sometimes alongside other Middle Eastern pantry staples like za’atar.
Use Sumac in these Recipes!
Browse all Mediterranean recipes.
Visit Our Shop.
Dive into Bold Mediterranean Flavor with our Exotic 4-Pack!
Includes Sumac, Aleppo pepper, Ras el Hanout, and Baharat.
*This post has recently been updated with new information for readers’ benefit.
Looking forward to seeing some new recipes
Hi, Victoria! We’ll be sure to keep ’em coming! If you want to stay on top of what’s new on the site, but sure to click here and sign up for our weekly emails, if you haven’t already.
Can sumac be used in place of lemon juice or zest? I sometimes have issues with very acidic foods and need to be careful. Thanks!
The article specifically talks about this…..
Hello l live in Belize south of Mexico this is the first l’ve about sumac l would like to see it in the online store so l can purchase some in the future. I enjoy Mediterranean food. I used to live in Los Angeles California l used to go to a place in Manhattan Beach for brunch.
When I visit Atlanta next year I want to buy your products of spice and herbs to bring back to New Zealand.
Is there an actual shop or is everything on line. If on line I can pay on line and get it delivered to Berekley Lake area. It’s just a long way off till next USA summer.
Katie
Hi, Katie. We don’t have a physical shop… only online, but we do ship all over the US, so definitely keep us in mind when you visit!
Just received my order of sumac and 6 other spices! Oh my, they are so aromatic and fresh. I am scouring your website for yummy recipes!
Thanks so much for supporting our shop! Hope you find a lot of good recipes to put all those spices to good use. If you ever need specific suggestions for any of them, please reach out to us at info@themediterraneandish.com. We’d be happy to help!
Buying the ground Sumac….right now but how and what all types of meat and other to use it on?
Hi, Gwendolyn. Sumac is the best, and can be sprinkled on just about anything: soups, salads, eggs, your favorite meats and more! There are several recipes linked in this article if you need even more inspiration. Hope you love it!
Wonderful. I have sumac and didn’t know how to use it to enhance foods. Hoping you’ll have more articles on your other spices. Thanks
Hi, Susanne. That is the plan, so be sure to stay tuned!
Love watching you cook. I have a sensitive stomach. Are all your spices spicy? I’d love to try some.
Hi, Suzanne. There are just a few spices in our shop with a bit of a kick (Aleppo Pepper, Baharat Spice Blend and Ras el Hanout). Two of my favorite non-spicy flavor makers we carry are Za’atar and Sumac. I highly recommend checking those out.
Wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying the Mediterranean diet. It is always satisfying but never leaves me with that “stuffed” feeling.
Thanks, Martha! That is one of the things we LOVE about the Mediterranean way of eating, as well!
Great company
Awww! Thanks, Marcia!
I am from Iran and we always use Sumac exclusively on rice pilaf .now I will try it on my chicken and lamb dishes, thank you
Could/should this spice be used with someone with a nut allergy? I was planning on using it to season our chicken for a picnic this weekend. But now I see your post and you said it’s in the cashew family, now I’m scared to use it because my daughter Inlaw is Allergic to nuts.
Hi, Gloria. It is our understanding that, although Sumac is in the cashew family, it isn’t exactly the same as a cashew. That being said, we are not qualified to advise you on whether it would cause an allergic reaction in someone with a nut allergy. If you have any doubts at all, we don’t recommend that you use it.
Thank you – great information.
I love sumac! We have salmon once a week, usually grilled on a plank. My go-to seasoning for the fish is sumac. It’s also great on grilled or roasted vegetables, zucchini being my favorite.
Thanks for sharing, Jerri!
Hi Suzy, I sautéed organic baby spinach in olive oil and minced garlic. Then I added Parmazon cheese and stirred until combined. Then, at the last minute, I decided to add some sumac. And….. it was SO tasty. I sure enjoy learning new things in the kitchen, even at the age of 87. 🌺
That sounds wonderful, Marlene! Thanks for sharing!
Great info, thank you!
Hi everyone, Just a quick warning, whilst pruning a beautiful stagshorn sumac, the so called non toxic variety, I had a severe allergic reaction to the young stems of the plant. The ambulance was called and I was given antihistamines.
My symptoms were burning itching skin, diahorrea vomiting and I blacked out. This is a very rare reaction but have found out that there have been other cases where this reaction has occurred. So be very careful if using any part of this plant.
Avril
Great info here! I love your sumac… put it on so many things!!
Awesome! Thanks, Meredith!