Or more specifically, curry’s sumac, Rhus coriaria, not to be confused with its climbing cousin, Toxicodendron radicans, which causes allergic reactions. The fruits of my sumac are harvested in late summer, sun-dried and powdered to a beautiful purple spice. A few pinches are enough to sublimate your dishes. In the Middle East, it is present on all tables or almost, but with us, it is the great absence… Once dried, it has the particularity of bringing a slightly salty taste without however containing the slightest gram of salt. . If you want to consume less salt, its subtle flavor, between the acidity of lemon and the sourness of vinegar, with an astringent note, will make it the perfect condiment to give a subtle touch to your recipes.
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Not easy to find
You will have a hard time finding sumac in the supermarket. Look instead in a delicatessen, a spice merchant or on the Internet. Store it away from light, humidity and heat to prevent mold. The longer it ages, the more pronounced its salty flavor will be. Note that heat alters its delicate taste, it is better to add it at the end of cooking.
Virginia sumac. Source: spm
If you are in one of these 6 cases
Beyond its culinary interest, sumac has undeniable virtues for health. Traditionally used as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in healing wounds, diarrhea, ulcers and inflammation of the eyes, it is – since science has come to confirm some of its properties – recognized for its antioxidant action (due to of its richness in polyphenols and flavonoids). Protector of the cardiac and neurological sphere, its hypoglycemic and antimicrobial actions have also been validated by recent studies. You can therefore use it to relieve:
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- digestive problems (infectious diarrhea, flatulence, nausea, gastric acidity);
- various inflammatory states;
- dental problems. As a mouthwash, its infusion relieves inflamed gums, bad breath and dental pain. InaEssentials also offers a sumac hydrosol for oral inflammation, but also fungal infections and intimate hygiene;
- hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease), at a rate of 2 g of sumac powder per day associated with a low-calorie diet for 12 weeks;
- flu and other winter ailments, including fever;
- cholesterol, by raising HDL levels, the “good cholesterol”. In addition, it would reduce the cardiovascular risk in cases of mild to moderate hyperlipidemia.
Finally, rather than making your own capsules, I suggest you adopt it in the kitchen and, above all, drink it as an infusion two to three times a day: soak a teaspoonful of whole berries (dried and not crushed) for 10 minutes in a cup of hot water. Filter. Health !
Salad flavored with sumac. Source: spm
Sumac Oriental Salad Recipe
- Cook 150 grams of precooked durum wheat for 10 minutes in lightly salted water.
- Meanwhile, slice an onion and sprinkle it with a teaspoon of sumac so that it soaks up the flavors of the spice.
- Finely chop a bunch of fresh mint and flat-leaf parsley. Cut a handful of sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips or small cubes.
- Mix the herbs and tomatoes with a tablespoon of olive oil and the juice of a lemon.
- Once the wheat is cooked, drain it and add the other ingredients. Season with a little sumac, pepper or lemon.
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