Sumac is easily becoming one of my favorite spices to use. It has a very rich aroma and it just tastes so gosh darn delicious. I love the fact that it tastes like lemonade and can be sweeten with honey.

Sumac has its roots in Asia, Northern Africa, and The Middle East. You actually may have seen it on the side of the road. It’s leaves turn scarlet in the fall and the fruit that the spice comes from looks like a little red ball.

As for the benefits, sumac is a natural antioxidant with the ability to relieve muscle pain, regulate blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, and may reduce bone loss. It has also been used in history to help with the production of breast milk, soothe sore throats, and help with a gassy digestive system.

Sumac covers a wide variety of plants but it should not be confused with its poisonous sibling. White sumac is definitely poisonous and should be avoided at all cost. If you see sumac on the side of the road and you are not sure whether it is poisonous or not, then get it from the store.

Note of Caution

As stated above, there is a poisonous version of sumac. Avoid it at all cost.

You should not drink a large amount in one sitting. While it is delicious, if it’s your first time then your body may have to wait to adjust to it.

You will go to the bathroom a lot with this one so keep that in mind.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup of cold water

2 tsp of ground sumac

Instructions

1. In a small container place the sumac spice and water.
2. Let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to enhance the flavor.
3. Remove from the fridge and drain off the water into a cup.
4. Sweeten with honey and garnish with a lemon if you would like.
5. Enjoy your hard work rock star.