English
עברית
العربية
What is Sumac?
If you’re Middle Eastern, you’re probably familiar with Sumac. It’s a staple spice in most Middle Easterners’ homes. It’s flavor profile is very complementary to Middle Eastern cuisine because it helps bring out the flavors of the ingredients it is cooked with to make a tangy and balanced plate. Sumac is the ruby colored spice extracted from the Sumac berries when they are dried and ground. Traditionally, Sumac is used as a spice, as a dye, and as a medicine. We would describe Sumac’s flavor as tangy, sour and sharp. It adds flavor, texture and a vibrant red color to a dish.
A super spice?
You can find Sumac as an in ingredient in Zaatar or as topping for Fatoush Salad. There are many ways to use it, but did you know that Sumac is considered a healthy super spice? We have records of its use as far back as the Roman times where it was used as an acidic spice before lemons were introduced to Europeans. It is said that it was prescribed for the Emperor Nero for its healing and anti-flatulent properties. Modern scientists are now studying the health benefits of this anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant rich spice.
Health Benefits of Sumac
-
Sumac is Nutritious
Not only does Sumac elevate our taste buds, it also very nutritious and includes fibers, healthy fats and vitamins.
-
Sumac is Anti-microbial & anti-fungal
Sumac is Anti-microbial and anti-fungal spice which can help treat skin inflammation and disorders. Scientists are also studying Sumac amazing ability to fight bacteria like Salmonella and have found it can safely disinfect fruits and vegetables. Research has shown that Sumac has the amazing anti-microbial ability to stop the growth of common oral bacterial strains which lead to infectious diseases of the mouth.
-
Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is thought to be the cause of most diseases and Sumac is an anti-inflammatory spice that helps fight various disorders, colds and the Flu. Sumac is rich in many antioxidants like tannins and flavonoids and is the reason why researchers believe it may have healing properties. Basically, they work to protect your cells and body from oxidative stress which leads to inflammation and disease like cancer.
-
Anti-Cancer
As we discussed Sumac contains properties that are anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory and packed with nutrients which help our body not only prevent diseases like heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
-
Sumac may promote healthy blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels can affect the body in many ways. It can cause fatigue, headaches and urinary tract issues. Over time it can also lead to nerve damage and kidney problems. Research studying Sumac and blood sugar levels has shown that the spice significantly decreased blood sugar levels. It may also help prevent insulin resistance which impairs blood sugar control.
-
Sumac may help ease muscle pain and menstrual cramps
Sumac is rich in antioxidant and may help in treating inflammation which can cause pain relief for chronic muscle aches and pains.
-
Sumac is promotes healthy bones
Osteoporosis is a condition that about 25% of women may experience. Weak and brittle bones that increase the risk of bone fracture and other complications. Rat studies have shown that Sumac did help decrease bone loss.
-
Sumac is a diuretic
Sumac is a Diuretic which means it helps you remove toxins from the body through urine and is used traditionally to treat urine infections and digestive problems. (1).
With all of these health benefits and its delicious flavor, what’s stopping you from ordering the freshest Sumac spice on the market? Click the link below to order Sumac and more great spice flavors on our website:
How to Eat Sumac and where to buy it
By now you’re probably excited and curious about how to use this wonderful spice. Well, think of it the way you would use a squeeze of lemon. Furthermore, it is delicious as a finishing touch to add acidity and tanginess or you can use it in the cooking progress, such as baked potatoes tossed in spices and topped with Sumac. From dips and dressings, the possibilities are endless and you will love using something so healthy and delicious to your diet! One easy and delicious way to enjoy Sumac sprinkled over Hummus.
Hummus with Sumac Recipe
Hummus is a chickpea based dip or spread perfect for a nutritious and delicious breakfast. Because it is packed with protein, fiber and nutrients it will keep you fuller for longer. Most importantly, it takes less than 15 minutes to make and you can store the rest in the fridge! The combinations for Hummus are endless as well, you can top with anything from pan fried meat and paprika to Sumac. In the recipe below we suggest adding Sumac for flavor and added health benefits.
-
Ingredients
1 Can of Chickpeas
1/2 Cup Tahini
1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
1-2 Cloves of Garlic
Salt to taste
A sprinkle of Paprika
Sea of Herbs Sumac to taste
Olive Oil to taste
1 tablespoon of Yogurt (Optional). Depending on the texture and the taste you are looking for. Some people like to add yogurt to Hummus.
-
Method:
The beauty of Hummus is that it is quick and simple. First, put all your ingredients in a food processor or blender add all of until you find the texture is well blended but still a bit coarse. You don’t want a runny Hummus! Next, don’t forget to taste as you blend so you can adjust the olive oil and the salt to your liking. Finally, top with sumac and paprika. For your kid’s lunch boxes, why not make Hummus sandwiches? It makes a healthy and delicious school lunch!
With all of these health benefits and its delicious flavor, what’s stopping you from ordering the freshest Sumac spice on the market? Sea of Herbs is proud to offer our world class spices to foodies around the world. Our family have been Herbalists and Spice makers in the Old City of Jerusalem for over 300 years. Click here to order the freshest Sumac and more great spice flavors on our website as well as natural beauty products and more.
How can I buy Sumac
Hello Zamaluddin,
Thank you for your interest in Sumac. Sure, you can purchase it here: http://seaofherbs.com/product/sumac-spice-100gm/
How can I order Sumach Berries or the spice?
Hello Hamidah,
Thank you for your interest in Sumac. Sure, you can purchase the spice here: http://seaofherbs.com/product/sumac-spice-100gm/
Hi where can I buy this sumac
Hello Rozi,
Thank you for your interest in Sumac. Sure, you can purchase the spice here: http://seaofherbs.com/product/sumac-spice-100gm/
Can you provide information with Sumac spices?
Hello Arif,
Thanks for your comment. Sumac is a healthy spice which is considered a good source of vitamin C and contains antibacterial ingredients. Also a very tasty sour spice for chicken/fish with onions & potatoes salad.
It is good for preventive of corona virus
Hello Faziah,
Although many of our products such as Sumac, Blackseed Oil, Honey etc are all beneficial and have been used for centuries to fight off viruses, diseases and several ailments, unfortunately at this time we do not have the research to state whether any of these prevent the COVID-19 virus. Stay home, stay safe.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S) CURE FOR CORONAVIRUS
May God’s Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon you.
Forwarding a message from some Imam.
“Dear brothers and sisters! A pious lady from Shirnak, Turkey, who is a distant relative to me, saw Prophet Muhammad (s) in her dream twice in this holy month of Rajab. She personally mentioned the dream to me, because she trusted me as an imam, and told me to spread the news to everyone, because it is the order and advice of Prophet Muhammad (s).
THE FIRST DREAM
“The first dream I saw was on the holy night (laylat al-ragha’ib), which is the first Friday night of Rajab (27 February 2020). In the dream, Prophet Muhammad (s) was on the Mountain of Judi, where Noah’s Ark landed. There was a structure on this mountain that looked like a room. I entered the room and saw the Prophet Muhammad (s). He was wearing all white, he had a white beard and his face was glowing. He said to me, ‘My daughter, this sickness and virus is spreading all over the world. Listen to what I’m going to tell you and share it with everyone. He said, ‘The medicine and cure for this virus is sumac. He (S) said, ‘Put a little bit of sumac in a cup of water, stir and drink. God willing, the sick will be cured and the healthy will not get sick.’
Then I woke up. I thought to myself, ‘What am I going to do? None will believe what I say. They will say, ‘This is only a dream,’ and not give any importance to it.”
THE SECOND DREAM
“This time I saw the dream on the holy night of Mi’raaj (21 March 2020). Once again I saw the Prophet (s) in the same place on the Mountain of Judi, but this time he was very angry at me. He said, ‘You did not tell anyone about the cure for this virus and it is spreading!’ I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I thought none would believe me, so I was hesitant to tell anyone.’ He said, ‘Perhaps you do not believe as well. So now watch and see.’ In one hand, he had a pitcher full of water with sumac and in the other hand he had a glowing fire, and there were two sick people in the room. He said to me, ‘Watch and see,’ and then he gave each one a cup of water with sumac and they drank it. They were both cured instantly! Then the Prophet (s) turned to me and said, ‘Do you believe now? Make it known to everyone, because this disease will not go away with anything other than sumac! The medicine and cure for this disease is sumac. And convey this (message) to the ones in authority. InshaAllah, God willing, my ummah is going to be protected from this contagious disease.’ I swear by God, this dream is not a lie. This is exactly how I saw the dream.”
My dear brothers and sisters. Don’t pass this up by saying, “It’s just a dream.” As Prophet Muhammad (s) said in one of his Hadith ash-Shareef:
“Whoever sees me in a dream, has seen me in reality, for Satan cannot appear in my form”. (Ibn Majah)
My dear brothers and sisters! You may believe it or not. I am sharing this with you, because I strongly believe in it. I think the dream is very important and meaningful, since in it was seen the Mountain of Judi, where Prophet Noah’s Ark landed. God willing, the message given in this dream by Prophet Muhammad (s) will be a miracle for all Insha Allah(God Willing).
Finally, my advice and request for those who sell sumac: Please, but please do not increase your prices, especially during these difficult times. For, today is the day of unity; today is the day of helping one another; today is the day of sharing and distributing healing.
To make this water infuse water overnight or a day with finely ground Sumac. About 1/2tsp / litre. Shake and drink this water instead of plain water.
Sumac is a spice that comes from ground Sumac berries of the Middle Eastern Rhus Coriaria plant. It’s famous for its Ruby color and tangy flavor. And now scientists are studying the health benefits of this anti-oxidant rich spice.
Sumac Health benefits:
Anti-cancer: A super anti-oxidant, and packed with vitamin C which means it can help ward off diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation is thought to be the cause of most diseases and Sumac is an anti-inflammatory spice that helps fight various disorders, colds and the Flu.
Has been studied to be effective in regulating cholesterol levels and treating diabetes by reducing blood sugar.
Anti-fungal & Anti-microbial: Sumac is Anti-microbial and anti-fungal spice which can help treat skin inflammation and disorders. It has also been studied to be effective in fighting bacteria like Salmonella and can be used to safely disinfect fruits and vegetables.
Can increase breast milk production and ease menstrual cramps
Sumac is a Diuretic which means it helps remove toxins from the body through urine and has been used traditionally to treat urine infections and digestive problems.
May you be under Divine Protection.
Thank you for sharing Aysha. Although we do believe in the benefits of Sumac, at this time we do not have any scientific evidence that indicates it to be a cure for the corona virus (COVID-19). Please be sure to consult with your physician on the appropriate measures to take to combat this highly contagious virus. Stay Home, Stay Safe.