Homemade Sumac Syrup: Recipe, Effects & Professional Tips
Sumac – in Turkish, Sumak, often called Rhus coriaria – brings a fruity, tangy freshness to your kitchen. In this blog post, you'll learn not only how to make sumac syrup yourself, but also everything you need to know about its taste, health, and where to buy it in Germany.
What is sumac and what does it taste like?
Sumac is extracted from the deep red berries of the Rhus coriaria shrub. Its aroma is lemony and fruity with a slight herbal note. The Romans used the spice long before lemons were known to us to flavor dishes and refreshing drinks.
(Sumac seeds)
Why is sumac healthy?
- Rich in polyphenols & flavonoids – powerful antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals
- Anti-inflammatory and traditionally used for joint or skin problems
- Supports digestion: Tannins can make fatty dishes more digestible.
Recipe: Sumac syrup step by step
Makes approx. 350 ml – ideal for lemonades, cocktails & desserts
| ingredient | Crowd | Notice |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 250 ml | Filtered |
| Sugar (or honey) | 250 g or 170 g honey | Honey adds herbal notes |
| Ground organic sumac | 2 tbsp | Whole berries: 3 tbsp |
| Pinch of sea salt | 1 pinch | Intensifies the acidity |
- Cook the syrup base: Simmer water and sugar over medium heat for 3 minutes until the sugar dissolves clearly.
- Stir in sumac , remove pot from heat, cover and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Filter : Strain through a fine sieve or coffee filter.
- Filling : Pour into a sterilized glass bottle, allow to cool, and store in a cool place. Shelf life: 3–4 weeks.
(Sumac syrup)
Ideas for using your syrup
- Oriental Spritz: 30 ml syrup + 200 ml mineral water + ice & fresh mint
- Whisky Sour Twist: Replace sugar syrup 1:1 with sumac syrup
- Glaze for grilled vegetables: 2 tbsp syrup + olive oil + garlic
- Dessert drizzle: Over yogurt, cheesecake or nice cream
Buy sumac and store it properly
Genuine organic sumac has a light red color; dark particles often indicate too many seeds or added salt. Therefore, look for pure products without additives, such as those from Spicebar.
Storage: Protect from light, airtight, below 20°C. This preserves the aroma and effect for up to 12 months.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about sumac
What is sumac in German?
Sumac is also called tanner's sumac spice or simply sumac spice.
In which dishes is sumac used?
Perfect with fattoush salad, kebab, legumes, barbecue marinades and syrups for drinks.
How is sumac different from lemon or lime juice?
Sumac provides acidity, but with mild fruitiness and a subtle tart depth – without adding any additional moisture to the dish.
Is there a substitute for sumac?
A mixture of lemon juice and pomegranate molasses or the spice mixture Za'atar come closest in taste.
With just a few ingredients, you can transform sumac into a ruby-red syrup that makes dishes and drinks unique.
Discover and enjoy sumac now! 🛒
