What Is Sumac? It’S The Secret To Bold And Bright Mediterranean Flavor!

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.

Photo Credits: Ali Redmond

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!

What is Sumac?
What is the Best Sumac Substitute?
How to Use Sumac Spice
Where to Buy Sumac
Use Sumac in these Recipes!

A bottle of sumac from the mediterranean dish next to a bowl or sumac with a spoon, and a handful of the sumac on the table. - 5

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 !

A close up of grilled sumac chicken thighs on a serving platter with pickled red onions, grilled lemon halves, tzatziki sauce, and pita bread. - 6

Image ofGrilled Sumac Chicken

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 .