Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Sumac

[jmyrlefuller]

https://www.eater.com/2022/2/28/22947543/what-is-sumac-how-to-use-cooking-recipes

Sumac is the secret weapon in your spice cabinet: it has the power to bring incredible acidity to your food without adding extra liquid. It’s not bitter like lemon zest or astringent like vinegar, but somewhat fruity and floral without being noticeably sweet. Chances are, if you’ve had Middle Eastern or Mediterranean dishes like kebab or anything dusted with za’atar, you’ve tasted sumac’s wonderful tartness. It’s also a spice that goes well with just about anything, which is why so much of the world uses it. But for all of its popularity, sumac still hasn’t found a place in the average American’s spice arsenal — which is why there’s no better time to give it a closer look.

(excerpt)

[jmyrlefuller]

Note:

Sumac grows just about everywhere where I live. There's usually plenty of sumac trees lining creek banks around here and I never knew they were edible, let alone a delicacy!

[Hoodat]

All I know about sumac is that it makes my skin itch.

[mountaineer]

I got a bottle of zaatar seasoning, but haven't exactly explored its full potential yet. I do like those middle eastern flavors.

[Free Vulcan]

Note:

Sumac grows just about everywhere where I live. There's usually plenty of sumac trees lining creek banks around here and I never knew they were edible, let alone a delicacy!

Yeah be really careful. Some sumac is extremely poisonous and will mess you up, especially if taken internally.

[Elderberry]

Yeah be really careful. Some sumac is extremely poisonous and will mess you up, especially if taken internally.

Sumac is a spice that is popular in the Middle East. It is related to the poisonous shrub by the same name, but the culinary variety is safe to use and easily identifiable by its vibrant red berries (poisonous sumac is white).

[DefiantMassRINO]

I love sumac because it will grow anywhere, but I'm still not going to ingest it.  Even the critters only eat the berries as a last resort.

[Free Vulcan]

Sumac is a spice that is popular in the Middle East. It is related to the poisonous shrub by the same name, but the culinary variety is safe to use and easily identifiable by its vibrant red berries (poisonous sumac is white).

I don't believe it grows native here.

[jmyrlefuller]

Sumac is a spice that is popular in the Middle East. It is related to the poisonous shrub by the same name, but the culinary variety is safe to use and easily identifiable by its vibrant red berries (poisonous sumac is white).

Yes, the sumac that grows where I live is the red stuff. I'm pretty sure I'm safe.