Sumac – The Unique Spice of Turkish Cuisine
SUMAC is an intense, fruity-tart spice that gives Turkish and Arabic cuisine its unique flavor. This SUMAC spice is perfect for enhancing meats, poultry, fish, and even dips. Here, you'll learn all about the origin, taste, and uses of Gerber SUMAC.
What Is SUMAC?
SUMAC (Rhus coriaria) is a spice made from the dried fruits of the SUMAC tree (also known as the dye tree). The SUMAC tree thrives mainly in the Eastern Mediterranean, including Turkey, Syria, and Sicily. The spice has a fruity, sour note and is often mixed with salt to prolong its shelf life.
What Does SUMAC Taste Like?
The taste of SUMAC is unique: it is sour, fruity, and slightly bitter, making it a perfect alternative to lemon, tamarind, or vinegar. Its fresh, slightly tart note complements many dishes and adds a special Mediterranean freshness to them.
How Is Gerber SUMAC Used?
Gerber SUMAC is an essential spice in Turkish, Arabic, and Lebanese cuisines. It is regularly added to many dishes, just like salt and pepper. It is particularly popular on grilled meats, poultry, fish, and in salads. SUMAC pairs wonderfully with:
- Grilled meat, poultry, and fish
- Salads, especially when combined with onions and parsley
- Yogurt dips and herb sauces
- Stews with meat or fish
SUMAC in Turkish, Arabic, and Lebanese Cuisine
In Turkish cuisine, SUMAC is frequently used to season döner kebab and other grilled dishes. It is also a popular spice in salads with onions and parsley, adding a fresh, sour note to the dishes.
For a tasty dip, simply mix SUMAC with plain yogurt, fresh mint, and garlic. It’s also delightful in sauces or as a seasoning for rice dishes.
Recipe Idea: Yogurt Dressing with SUMAC
For a refreshing salad dressing, mix one cup of plain yogurt with:
- 2 tbsp freshly chopped mint
- 1 pressed garlic clove
- ½ teaspoon Gerber SUMAC
This dressing pairs wonderfully with fresh salads or as a dip for grilled vegetables.
Which Spices Pair Well with SUMAC?
SUMAC harmonizes perfectly with other spices such as:
Where Does SUMAC Come From?
SUMAC originates from Turkey, Syria, and the Eastern Mediterranean. The SUMAC tree is a shrub that grows up to 3 meters tall and thrives on dry, calcareous soil in the Mediterranean climate. The fruits of the tree ripen to a deep red color and are dried in the sun after harvest before being ground and mixed with salt.
SUMAC – A Spice with History
Since ancient times, SUMAC has been used not only as a spice but also in traditional preparations and as a natural dye. During Roman times, SUMAC was used to sour foods and in leather making. Today, SUMAC is an indispensable spice in many cultures.
Where Can I Buy SUMAC?
You can conveniently purchase Gerber SUMAC from our online shop in quantities ranging from 50g to 500g. Order your SUMAC spice now and bring the unique flavor of Turkish cuisine to your dishes!
Ingredients: Sumac, salt (5%)
ALLERGENS: Contains no declarable ALLERGENS according to Regulation (EU) No. 1169/2011.
