Just found an item called sumak in my local indian grocery.

It is an Iranian "spice" or herb, not sure. but does anyone know what dishes it goes in, how to use it, etc?

thanks.

his is what wikipedia has to say about it; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumac

yes it is a Middle Eastern spice, from one of many species of sumac trees (though most are poisonous!) It is used as a mild souring agent, very often as a sprinkle, especially over humous and other dips. It is traditional to sprinkle as a cross, though I would have thought that inappropriate :?)

HTH

Waaza

There are a few poisonous plants related to Sumac, but most species are not poisonous. Poison Ivy and Poison Sumac are common plants here in the US but do not really resemble the Sumacs and are now separated botanically from them. The poisonous species are mostly in the Toxicodendron genus, while the others are in the Rhus genus. Poison Sumac is easliy separates from the 'true' sumacs since it's berries are greenish white to dull grey. True sumac has red berries.

Sumac - the spice is made from the berries of mediteranean Sumac species, mostly Rhus coriaria. Other Sumac species can be used (avoid plants that may be sprayed with pesticides though) - and many are used to make refreshing beverages as the berries are quite tart. They are used a bit like lemon juice.