Sumac

Sumac (سماق) is made from the dried and ground berries of the Rhus Coriaria tree. It has a deep purple-red colour and a sour and astringent taste with earthy citrus notes. While milder and fruitier than lemon it may be used as a compliment or even a replacement for lemon juice. 

Use it to rub meats like lamb or chicken, mix it with onions to accompany a kebap, use it in your dressings when making fattoush and other salads or simply sprinkle it over your dishes to add a dash of colour and tanginess. 

This sumac is grown without use of pesticides or other chemicals by a farmers' cooperative in Zgharta, North Lebanon.