Sumac (سماق)

The Lemon of the Orient
As early as 2000 years ago, Emperor Nero swore by the flatulence-reducing benefits of sumac. And before lemon found its way to Europe, the Romans used sumac to add spice to their dishes. Sumac is a spice with many sides and rich stories. The story of our sumac leads us to the fields of the Houraibi family in southern Lebanon. There, sumac berries grow on bushes in the midst of countless wild plants. Once the berries are ripe, they are harvested by hand, dried and finely ground.


Taste
The finished sumac has a dark red color and a surprising flavor. Lemony, but not sour. Pleasantly fruity and slightly tart. A perfectly balanced spice that highlights other natural flavors, much like salt does.


Food Pairing
Sumac is not only good for your health, but it's also flavorful in a variety of ways. For example, it adds a tart, acidic kick to vegetables, chicken or seafood. Don't have a lemon on hand right now? Sumac adds citrus flavor to your dish. And all without any liquid. Sumac is at its best when sprinkled over the dish before serving.

Storage
Once opened, store in a dry place.