10 Safe Ways to Store Spices & Herbs
Proper storage of spices and herbs is crucial for maintaining their flavor, aroma, and potency over time. Whether you’re an
Sumac
Sumac is a plant that has red berries, and is used as a spice, dye, and in medicine. The name comes from the Arabic word summaq, which means “dark red”.
Sumac is made from the dried and ground berries of the Rhus Coriaria shrub. The shrub is part of the cashew family and grows in subtropical and temperate regions on every continent except Antarctica and South America.
Sumac has a tangy, sour, acidic flavor similar to lemon juice. It’s a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, where it’s used in spice blends like za’atar, dressings, and dry rubs. In Iran, it’s used as a condiment with salt and pepper.
Sumac can also be ground into a powder for herbal remedies and cooking. Some say it may help with things like controlling blood sugar and relieving muscle pain, but more research is needed.
Ground sumac can last for several months, and whole sumac can last for more than a year. Store sumac in an airtight container away from heat and light.