Wholesale Sumac Berry

01.
Sumac Berry: A Bit of Botany

a bit of botanical information on sumac berry

description
Sumac is a small deciduous shrub or tree in the cashew family that is original to Europe and Asia. Not to be confused with its more toxic cousin, poison sumac (Toxicodendron vernix), the fruits of Rhus coriaria are safe to eat and provide a tart, tangy flavor to foods when dried and ground as a spice. Sumac berry powder has been used for centuries as a food and beverage flavoring but is best known today as an ingredient in the Mediterranean seasoning za’atar. Sumac berry powder can also be used in tea blends, infused in oil for topical use, encapsulated or tinctured, or used to tint cosmetics and textiles.

common names
& nomenclature
Tanner's sumach, Sicilian sumac and elm-leaved sumach.

02.
Sumac Berry: Where in the World

Sumac is native to southern Europe and western Asia but is now naturalized throughout the Mediterranean Basin. The species grows well in rocky landscapes, wayside habitats and woodland edgings provided there is enough sunlight.

03.
Sumac Berry: Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting sumac berry

Rhus coriaria requires well-drained soil and tolerates a variety of conditions, including dry or heavy, clay soil. However, it cannot tolerate total shade. Hardy to USDA zones 8-11.

04.
Sumac Berry: The Rest of the Story

The ancient Romans enjoyed the tart quality of sumac berries in a similar manner to lemons. Dried, the ground berries were used as a seasoning like salt to enhance the flavor of foods. Today, immature fruits are used as a substitute for capers.

A strong infusion of sumac berries is enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean region as a beverage during hot weather. During seasonal changes, this beverage is sometimes combined with elder berry syrup. The dried, powdered fruit is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine in rice dishes, marinades, salad dressings, dips (sprinkle some on hummus), and, combined with oregano, coriander, cumin, and black pepper, sumac is a key ingredient in the zesty za'atar seasoning used in many Mediterranean and North African dishes.