What is Sumac? What are the Benefits? 6 Different Uses

Sumac, which is among the indispensable spices of the kitchens, is known for its unique sour taste. Although its taste and appearance are familiar, there are many details about sumac that are not known to everyone. Starting from the areas where sumac is grown, we examine all its benefits and usage areas in detail.

What is Sumac?

Sumac is a plant that belongs to the pistachio family. Sumac spice is formed as a result of grinding the red seed-shaped flowers of this plant. Sumac, which differs from other spices with its unique sour taste, is used to add color to dishes as well as its taste. In Turkish cuisine, it is usually consumed by adding to salads, yogurt and especially onions.

Sumac prices are determined in kilograms. The sale prices of sumac vary according to the type of sumac, product quality and qualifications of the seller. The price ranges of sumac, sumac and sumac, which are sold in the market in powder form, are different from each other.

Where Does the Sumac Plant Grow?

Although the sumac tree is slender, its height can reach up to 3 meters. On the sumac plant, which looks like a bush with its green and thin leaves, its ball-shaped red fruits resemble an ornament. Sumac leaves are green in all seasons.

It sheds its leaves in winter. In autumn, the fruits turn red. There are about 150 different varieties of sumac. It is also known that there are poisonous varieties among sumac varieties. For this reason, it can be dangerous to collect the fruit of the sumac trees you see for the first time if you do not have enough information. Sumac grows mostly in the Mediterranean region in our country. Sumac does not need very special climatic conditions to grow. For this reason, it is seen that it is grown in almost every region except the Eastern Anatolia Region, which has sudden changes in climatic conditions.

Apart from Turkey, it is grown extensively in the Arabian Peninsula, Southern Europe and India. If you are not in a region with very dry and cold weather conditions in terms of climate, you can grow sumac in your garden. Sumac seeds or sumac seedlings can be easily found in the market.

What Are the Benefits of Sumac?

• Sumac stands out with its health benefits as well as its taste.
• It contains high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants.
• It protects against cancer.
• It regulates the digestive system. It relieves indigestion.
• It cures stomach problems.
• Sumac cares for gums. Thanks to its antibacterial content, it is good for mouth sores.
• Relieves sore throat.
• It reduces fever.
• Sumac has the feature of stopping bleeding in case of accidents.
• It is good for urinary incontinence problems.
• Balances blood sugar.
• Appetite.
• Sumac also draws attention in terms of its benefits to the skin. When its water is used as a tonic, it is effective on acne and acne spots. It gives a fresh and bright look to the skin.

How to Make Sumac Sour? What are the Benefits?

Sour sumac is the liquid form of sumac. Just like pomegranate syrup, it is used as a sauce for meals. It can be bought ready-made or made at home. The ingredients you need for this are sumac, water and some patience. Put the sumac in a bowl and add enough water to cover it and let it stand. It is ensured that the substances in the sumac and its color pass into the water. These waters are filtered and set aside and fresh water is added. The collected water is covered with cheesecloth and kept in the sun and thickened. Water with sumac, which is waiting in the sun for 1 day, takes its final consistency by boiling.

Sumac sour contains intense antioxidants like sumac. It protects against diseases. Sumac sauce facilitates the digestion of food. It protects heart and brain health with its rich Omega 3 content.

Where is Sumac Used? 6 Different Ways of Use

1. Sumac can be used to add tartness instead of lemon in meals.
2. In Turkish cuisine, there are dishes and associations in which sumac is indispensable. The first thing that comes to mind from these associations is the sumac-onion duo. Thinly sliced ​​and rubbed with salt, the onion is served as a salad with sumac.
3. Salad and piyaz with sumac would be incomplete without sumac.
4. Especially the sumac used on ravioli goes well with yoghurt.
5. In traditional cuisine, pickled sumac takes its place among valuable delicacies. It is made by adding sumac powder or sumac sour when setting up vegetable pickles. Thus, the flavor and antioxidant properties of the pickles increase.
6. Sumac tea also allows you to drink the benefits of sumac. It is made by infusing sumac spice with water. The water you use may be cold or hot. If you use cold water and wait and strain it many times, you will get a refreshing drink in the summer months. Even if you use hot water, you can brew a tea that is good for colds like the herbal teas we know.

Does Sumac Weak?

For those who want to lose weight and those who are on a diet, the speed of slimming can be increased with sumac. The active ingredients contained in sumac ensure the removal of toxins. It accelerates metabolism and balances blood sugar. Thus, it reduces the occurrence of sugar crises that occur suddenly during dieting periods. Sumac cure, which is mixed with yoghurt, can also be applied to regulate blood sugar and prevent hunger crises. Regular consumption of this cure every day is also called the sumac diet. Sumac has the feature of helping to lose weight. But it is not possible to lose weight by using sumac alone.

What Are the Harms of Sumac?

Sumac has a blood sugar lowering effect when consumed in large quantities. People who may have problems in this regard should use it carefully. Using sumac more than normal measures is not recommended for blood pressure patients. People with blood pressure problems need to be careful. However, if you want to apply sumac cure because of its benefits, it is recommended that you get your doctor’s approval on this subject.

How to Grind Sumac?

Sumac seeds are collected from the trees when they are sufficiently reddened and ripe. It is dried thoroughly in the sun with special methods. Then the dried kernels are thoroughly pounded in a mortar. It is sieved repeatedly. It is washed with water, filtered and ground with salt. In this state, it turns into the sumac spice we know. If you want to use it in liquid form instead of using it as a powder spice, you need to turn it into sumac syrup.