Botanicals

Though is not widely known, sumac is an extraordinary spice that enhances the flavours of foods without overpowering them. Sumac also spelled Sumach and in Middle-East is pronounced more like Somagh. Sumac is any one of approximately 250 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus The fruits of the genus Rhus are ground into a deep-red or purple powder used as a spice in Middle Eastern cuisine to add a lemony taste to salads or meat. It can play the same role as salt, but you have to use it more generously. Outside of Iran and other Middle Eastern countries, sumac is generally used ground. If the berries are whole, they should be opened and soaked in water for about 30 minutes; then the seeds can be placed in cheesecloth and squeezed to extract an aromatic liquid to use in cooking water or marinade.

Humans have enjoyed sumac berries, which have a zingy lemon taste when picked at their peak, typically in late summer or early autumn. Soak berries of all sumacs in hot or cold water and then strain to make a refreshing drink or a gargle for sore throats. If the drink is too sharp for your taste buds, add a little maple syrup, but keep the gargle pure.

Other sumac parts have been used in a variety of ways: fresh sumac stems have been used in basket weaving, the tannin-packed leaves and bark have been used for tanning leather and the roots have been made into teas that help stop bleeding.

Some beekeepers use dried sumac bobs as a source of fuel for their smokers.

Some ancient legends say that a freshly plucked sumac seed, placed beneath the pillow of a unmarried lady will ensure that she finds a husband before the next full moon. It is maybe for this reason that sumac is considered a dangerous and invasive pest and confirmed bachelors will form a posse to root out the saplings.

It is also a well proven irritant to wives. Those brave enough to withstand the abuse of their spouses can invoke rage by encouraging the sumac to throw out babies in rockeries, flower beds and even vegetable patches. Guaranteed as a fuel to fan the fires of domestic strife and often of use in the early stages of potential divorces.

Please note the deliberate soft focus in this picture. It was obtained under the subterfuge of trying to capture a tree creeper.