If I had to narrow down my spice cabinet to just three options, sumac would most definitely be on the list. Though it has a long history in Middle Eastern cultures and cuisines, sumac is a relative newcomer in Western dishes – and it’s most definitely underrated.
As a doctor of biomedical sciences and an expert in the functional nutrition of spices, I favour sumac for its health benefits, flavour profile, and ease of use. Here’s everything you need to know about this underrated, anti-inflammatory spice.
What Is Sumac And Where Does It Come From?
Sumac is a vibrant burgundy-coloured spice that comes from the berries of a bush, called the Rhus Coriaria shrub. The wild plant can be found in Mediterranean regions, including Italy, Turkey, and Iran. When those berries are dried and ground down, it creates the spice that is sumac.
What Does Sumac Taste Like?
The red-hot colouring of sumac can be a bit misleading since the spice isn’t, well, spicy. Instead, sumac tastes just like lemon. It has sour, tangy, bright, earthy, fruity notes that will elevate just about any dish.
Substitutes For Sumac Spice
If you don’t have sumac on hand, lemon zest will provide the same citrusy flavour. A squeeze of lemon juice or vinegar could also have a similar outcome, if adding liquid won’t mess with the texture of your dish. Amchur (or dry mango powder) also has a similar tang and brightness.
Za’atar is another good alternative since the spice blend contains sumac. While the overall flavour lends more to savoury, the aftertaste is still bright due to the sumac.
If it’s the vibrant red hue you’re aiming for, then consider subbing in paprika, which is also relatively mild in flavour.
Sumac Spice Health Benefits
1. Provides Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Sumac is packed with anthocyanins, tannins, flavonoids, and other antioxidant compounds that have an anti-inflammatory effect.
2. Supports Metabolic And Cardiovascular Health
One study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences looked at the effects of sumac on 41 people with type 2 diabetes. The participants were split into two groups: One received a placebo, while the other received 3 grams of sumac powder daily for three months.
At the end of the three months, they found that participants taking sumac experienced a decrease in insulin and were, therefore, at a lower risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
3. Contains Antimicrobial Properties
Along with providing anti-inflammatory properties, the tannins in sumac contain antimicrobial (biofilm) properties. Research has suggested that these antimicrobial properties help inhibit the growth of five common oral bacterial strains that can lead to infectious diseases of the mouth.
4. May Reduce Muscle Pain
A study published in 2016 found that sumac juice was beneficial in reducing muscle pain in 40 healthy participants following a four-week aerobic exercise program. Those given sumac juice (compared to the placebo beverage) experienced a lower pain score. The researchers suspect the antioxidant activity of sumac may be responsible, but more research is needed.
How Do You Use Sumac In Cooking?
Sumac is one of my favourite spices to use in cooking – not just for its health benefits but also for its versatility and ease of use.
It’s best sprinkled on dishes like fried eggs, babaganoush or tomato and feta salad. It can also be used in roasted veggies like cauliflower, sweet potatoes, eggplant, carrots, chicken, or fish for an added flavour and nutrition enhancement.
Where To Buy Sumac
Most grocery stores carry ground sumac in the spice aisle or the international foods aisle. If you can’t find it in your local supermarket, a visit to a specialty spice store should do the trick. No luck with either of those options (or you just want to stay in)? You can also find sumac online.