Sumac is a tangy, citrusy powder from the fruit of the sumac shrub that is often used in classic Middle Eastern cooking. Its slightly tangy, citrus-like tones are the perfect accompaniment to char-grilled chicken.

All about Sumac, Spice

What it’s like, and how to make it

HeatNo heat
CuisineMiddle & eastern, mediterranean
Best forFinishing, marinades rubs
Goes inSalads dressings, rice grains, dips sauces
WithChicken, lamb, fish seafood, vegetarian
What’s in itsumac

How to use it

Sprinkle on everything — fattoush salad, grilled chicken, hummus, eggs, avocado toast. The Middle Eastern lemon. Mix with olive oil for an instant dressing. Rub on lamb before grilling. A generous pinch brightens any dish that needs acid without the liquid of a lemon squeeze.

  • Sumac spice, shown over a chalk-and-watercolour illustration
  • Illustration: Sumac with the hills near Jenin in the olive-harvest season
  • Illustration: Fattoush, made with Sumac
  • Illustration: Chelow Kabab, made with Sumac
  • Illustration of Sumac in The Tea & Spice Shoppe bag and jar, with the hills near Jenin in the olive-harvest season
  • Sumac - The Tea & Spice Shoppe
  • Sumac Brick Chicken

What it goes with

Sumac's tartness plays beautifully against tea's tannins — like lemon in tea, but dry. Brew our Moroccan Mint alongside a fattoush or our Earl Grey with sumac-rubbed lamb. The citrus-acid contrast keeps your palate alive.

Also in these blends

On its own, this is the straight thing. It also goes into these blends, each made for a different evening. Read about Sumac →

Reviews

What the time-travelers say

206 of the shop’s 213 reviews are five stars — left by people who actually bought the tea

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Great products and great service

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great…

I had a slight mix up on my order, they were quick to reply and correct my order with no issues. Amazing service and great products.

— Nick C. Verified

Great tea

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very…

A lovely, delicate tea. The peach is strong without being overwhelming or cloying, and the calendula is a nice addition. Very tasty!

— Zoe R. Verified

Maple Peach

The maple peach is delicious. What a beautiful combination. I will most definitely order it again, and a higher quantity of it.

— Gerda S. Verified

Always handy

I use dillweed often. This dill is fresh and has a nice aroma. I use it in marinades, salad dressings, and on fish. Good stuff.

— Jennifer D. Verified

Great stuff

This has helped my household a lot with circulation and alertness when we had it everyday. Will be ordering again soon. Thanks

— Dave G. Verified

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product.…

Love this tea. Hands down my fav rooibos. This store is our one-stop-shop for tea and spice. Great service, top notch product. 10/10!!

— Erin Poeta P. Verified

Delicious

I love this black tea, it has a really nice smooth flavour and love how it’s Swiss water method decaf. Will be buying again!

— Jessica A. Verified

Great flavorful tea

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite…

Toffee Ole is one of our favorite teas to share with friends in the evening, when we want something non-caffeinated but quite flavorful.

— Joel R. Verified

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a…

Another full bodied ‘real tea’ . ie It is not a flavoured tea. However, we do very much enjoy the Cafe Latte tea which is a flavoured tea!!!

— Ted H. Verified

teas

love , love, love and they shipping is very fast. the headache tea works great, the throat coat tea works great as well

— Miranda A. Verified

4 stars

It worked beautifully; perhaps if I add a little more honey, it would make it better… It is a wellness tea, after all!

— Merrilee B. Verified

Bancha with a splash of lemon

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an…

A wonderful Green Tea. Smooth in taste. Also suitable as a summer tea with a splash of lemon. A second infusion makes an enjoyable second cup!

— Monika F. Verified

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