For centuries, sumac has quietly graced the tables and medicine chests of cultures across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and North America. While often overshadowed by more well-known spices, this deep red, tangy herb has a rich history in both culinary and medicinal traditions—and is now being rediscovered as a culinary gem and herbal remedy.
What is Sumac?
Sumac comes from the dried and ground berries of Rhus coriaria, a shrub native to the Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East. The bright red berries are dried and crushed into a fine powder, yielding a tart, citrusy flavor that has been used for centuries in cooking, medicine, and even dye-making.
In North America, a different but related species—staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina)—grows in abundance and was traditionally used by Indigenous peoples to create a tart, refreshing drink sometimes called "Indian Lemonade." However, caution is needed as poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), a different species, is highly toxic and should never be consumed.
Sumac in Ancient History
A. The Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Connection
Sumac was a staple in ancient kitchens long before lemons became widespread. Roman and Greek physicians, including Dioscorides and Galen, praised it for its medicinal qualities. Sumac was used as:
A digestive aid
A treatment for sore throats
A remedy for skin conditions
In medieval Arab and Persian cuisine, sumac was essential in za’atar, a spice blend still beloved today, and in fattoush salads, kebabs, and grilled meats.
B. Sumac in Indigenous North American Medicine
North American Indigenous tribes, particularly the Cherokee and Iroquois, valued sumac for both culinary and medicinal purposes. The staghorn sumac berries were used to make a:
Cooling summer drink similar to lemonade
Tea for sore throats and respiratory issues
Topical treatment for wounds and rashes
In some traditions, the leaves and berries were also used in ceremonial smoking blends, often combined with tobacco.
Culinary Magic: Cooking with Sumac
Sumac’s tangy, lemon-like taste makes it an excellent addition to savory and sweet dishes alike. It enhances flavor without the acidity of vinegar or citrus, making it a powerful ingredient in various cuisines.
A. Traditional & Modern Uses
✅ Middle Eastern & Mediterranean Dishes: Sprinkled on hummus, salads, grilled meats, and fish
✅ Baking & Sweets: Adds depth to fruit-based desserts, such as berry tarts or yogurt-based treats
✅ Beverages: Brewed into sumac-ade (North American-style lemonade)
✅ Herbal Teas & Infusions: Combined with honey and cinnamon for a warming, immune-boosting drink
Recipe: Sumac-Infused Lemon-Honey Tea
A soothing and tangy herbal tea for digestion and immunity.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp ground sumac
1 cup hot water
1 tsp honey
½ tsp lemon juice (optional)
A cinnamon stick (optional)
Directions:
Steep the sumac in hot water for 5 minutes.
Strain, add honey and cinnamon, and enjoy!
Sidebar: The Magic of Za’atar – A Timeless Herbal Blend
One of the most iconic spice blends in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, za’atar is a fragrant, tangy, and earthy mix that often includes sumac, thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and salt.
Origins & Cultural Significance
Za’atar has been a staple in Levantine cooking for centuries, used both as a seasoning and as a medicinal herb mix. It is deeply rooted in regional traditions, with variations found in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.
Some families have their own secret za’atar recipes, passed down through generations, and some folklore suggests that eating za’atar makes you smarter!
Key Ingredients in Za’atar
🌿 Sumac – Adds a tangy, lemon-like flavor
🌿 Thyme or Wild Oregano – Brings an earthy, herbaceous taste
🌿 Toasted Sesame Seeds – Adds nutty depth and crunch
🌿 Salt – Enhances and balances all the flavors
How to Use Za’atar
✅ Sprinkled on warm pita with olive oil (classic preparation)
✅ Mixed into hummus or labneh (strained yogurt) for a dip
✅ Rubbed onto meats, fish, or vegetables before roasting
✅ Folded into dough for za’atar manakish (savory flatbreads)
Za’atar isn’t just a flavor powerhouse—its components also have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, making it both a culinary delight and an herbal remedy.
The Herbal Apothecary: Sumac’s Medicinal Benefits
Modern herbalists continue to explore sumac’s potential. Scientific studies suggest that sumac may offer anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
A. Digestive & Gut Health
Sumac aids digestion and reduces bloating.
Traditionally used to relieve diarrhea and stomach cramps.
B. Antioxidant & Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Sumac contains polyphenols and flavonoids, which fight oxidative stress.
Studies show sumac may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those with diabetes or metabolic disorders.
C. Respiratory & Immune Support
Used in sore throat remedies and cold/flu treatments.
The anti-microbial properties may help fight infections.
D. Skin & Topical Uses
A sumac-infused poultice can soothe rashes, burns, and insect bites.
Historically used as an anti-fungal treatment for skin infections.
Sumac in the Homestead & Garden
If you’re an herbal enthusiast or homesteader, you might consider growing sumac as a low-maintenance, drought-resistant plant.
Growing Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
Zones: Hardy in USDA zones 3–9
Sunlight: Prefers full sun
Soil: Tolerant of poor, dry soil
Growth: Can spread aggressively but provides beautiful autumn foliage
Harvesting & Drying Sumac Berries
Harvest in late summer when the berries are deep red.
Dry in a cool, dark place to preserve the citrusy oils.
Grind into a powder and store in an airtight container.
A Hidden Gem in the Herbal World
Sumac is an ancient, arcane herb with an incredible culinary, medicinal, and cultural history. Whether you’re looking to add a unique twist to your cooking, explore new herbal remedies, or grow an easy-to-care-for medicinal plant, sumac is a forgotten treasure worth rediscovering.
Have you ever used sumac in cooking or herbal medicine? Let us know in the comments!
Until next time…
I am…
Phil Wilson…
And, here’s to living an Herbal Lifestyle With You!