Why the Tasty Spice Sumac is Our Go-To Favorite Kitchen Accessory
Sumac is the best.
I am obsessed with sumac.
I just love sumac.
(A haiku)
We at La Pitchoune operate under the very strong belief that sumac is the best thing to ever happen to our spice cabinet. Makenna’s favorite version - the one she uses the most in the kitchen, on-the-go, and everywhere in-between - is cured sumac by Burlap and Barrel. It is acidic, a little bit salty, it adds brightness to every dish, and it is just stupid delicious.
So what is sumac, exactly? It is the dried, ground-up fruit of Rhus coriaria, a shrub that is found in areas of the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean. (Luckily, that makes it a little more accessible in the region La Pitchoune calls home.) It grows in clusters of red, pea-sized fruit, and is pretty noticeable when found in the wild. However, there are types of sumac that are poisonous, so approaching it in the wild is not often recommended. There are over 200 different types of sumac, but the Syrian version is safe to consume, and is most commonly used in the kitchen.
Sumac is known as a powerful anti-inflammatory, loaded with antioxidants (like tannins, anthocyanins, and flavonoids) to help counteract the effects of pollution and other free radicals on our bodies. It has been studied in connection to the reduction of liver damage, and heart health, due to the oleic acid (monounsaturated fat) found naturally in its fruit. It is a viable source of fiber, so is great for supporting digestion.
Sumac is better - and often more dynamic - than sliced bread. The Burlap and Barrel cured sumac contains malic acid, which is a core ingredient in fan favorite candy Warheads, and helps to boost its tart flavor. The flavor profile adds a pop of acid, a specific and delightful fruitiness, and a pinch of sunshine to everything it touches. Kendall likes to make fun of me because I literally put it on almost everything and she says that I have to stop putting it on things. Makenna adds it to popcorn and puts it on absolutely everything. In fact, our chef extraordinaire Kendall often pokes fun at her for it because it can so greatly affect other naturally-occurring flavors in our dishes.
If you have yet to dive into the delightful experience that is sumac, it is time. And if you book a cooking experience with us? Expect to be wowed by its flavor, as we will certainly discuss it and use it in the kitchen!
