It is a beautiful purple spice with a pleasant, fruity, and spicy flavor.

Sumac is the fruit of a shrub called Rhus coriaria that grows throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Sumac is a staple ingredient in Middle Eastern cuisine as a seasoning. It pairs well with:

• chicken
• fish and seafood
• lamb
• eggplants
• chickpeas
• lentils

It is widely used in green salads and marinades, mixed with yogurt and other herbs and spices, such as chili, coriander, cumin, paprika, and parsley.

When mixed with oil, it can be spread on bread before baking.