Bag

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

Bag / Rhus coriaria L. / are the fruits of a small shrub that grows in the Mediterranean. It is mainly found in Sicily and southern Italy, as well as in some parts of the Middle East, mainly Iran. The fruits are small and round, black-brown in color and about 5 mm in diameter. They are usually dried and ground to a purple-red powder. They are used to make a spice, which is extremely common in Arabic cuisine.

The sumac is a representative of the genus of deciduous trees or shrubs Shmak / Rhus /, which covers about 250 species, which are distributed mainly in areas with temperate and warm climates. The sumac was popular in ancient Rome.

In the ancient Hebrew language sumac means to be red, the German name essigbaum in translation means colored wood, and the Dutch name of sumac zuurkruid translates as sour spice. Sumac has an astringently sour taste, which is due to the two main ingredients it contains - tannins and organic acids.

Tannins are found in almost the entire plant, but the highest concentration is in the roots and bark. It was these parts of the sumac that were used to dye the skin in antiquity. It is still used for coloring, but the painting is not permanent. In North America, a variety of sumac grows, but it is poisonous and can cause serious skin reactions when touched.

Composition of sumac

In sumac are contained two main ingredients. These are tannins and organic acids. It is they who give it its characteristic astringent taste. Tannins are most highly concentrated in the bark and roots of the plant.

Selection and storage of sumac

This popular spice in Arab countries can also be found in Bulgaria. You can find it in Arab shops. Its price is about BGN 4 per 100 g. Store the bag in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight. It should be placed in an envelope or tightly closed jar.

Sumak in cooking

Our neighbors in the southeast and the Arabs worship the taste of sumac and there is almost no pot in which they do not use it. In Mediterranean cuisine and Asia Minor, and especially in Lebanese cuisine, it is the main ingredient for achieving a sour taste of food. Sprinkle the kebab with it before baking or mix it with yogurt - to garnish the kebab.

In Iran and Turkey season rice with sumac or mix it with freshly chopped onions and serve as a snack. In Jordan, sumac is part of a popular mixture of spices, which includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, sesame seeds, salt and possibly a little pepper. Similar mixtures are used in Israel and Syria. The zahtar mixture is mainly used for fried meat or barbecue meat. The meat eats it with appetite even sprinkled on a slice of bread with olive oil.

Along the Mediterranean sumac is served with the other spices with which the food is flavored daily. When cooking, add sumac to give a pleasant fruity sourness and light cherry color to poultry, fish, sauces, salads, stews, potatoes, white or Chinese cabbage. The sumac is extremely tasty, sprinkled on hummus. However, care must be taken with the amount, because the spice has a very intense taste.

Sumac is extremely popular in Turkey and Iran, where it is part of the mixes for doner kebab. In Syria, Egypt and Lebanon, sumac fruits are boiled in water to obtain a thick and sour essence, which is added to meat and vegetables. It is used as in other areas using vinegar and lemon juice.

For the Arabs, tomato salad is completely unthinkable without flavoring with sumac. Typical for this cuisine are the shepherd's salad / tomatoes, fresh onions and green peppers /, as well as the Fatush salad / lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, olives, cucumbers, radishes and fried croutons /. Of course, both are forge with sumac.

In North America, two of varieties of sumac - Coral and light are used for a drink called sumac-ade or Indian lemonade. It is prepared by soaking the fruits in cold water and crushing them. To extract the essence, the liquid is filtered through a cotton cloth and the resulting juice is sweetened. Locals use the fruits and leaves in combination with smoking tobacco.

The bag is in use in a marinade or dressing or just sprinkle on hummus. It can also be eaten in yogurt or seasoned with french fries or potato chips. Even when it comes to delicious drinks, it should not be ruled out.

Benefits of sumac

In the past, patricians (fans of gourmet experiences) appreciated sumac, not only because of its incredible taste, but also because of its well-expressed diuretic properties. Sumac has a good beneficial effect on digestion, and in the Middle East it is mixed with an acidic drink that soothes stomach aches. In some places it is used to reduce fever.

Here are more benefits of sumac:

Sumac is one of the most famous culinary ingredients and has been used for centuries in alternative medicine. Studies have been conducted on the health effects of sumac.

Sumac has a very rich nutritional profile, among which we recall the presence of fiber, healthy fats and some essential vitamins. An analysis from 2014 shows that dried sumac contains 71% carbohydrates, 19% fat and 5% protein. Most sumac fats come from two types of fats: oleic acid, associated with heart health, and linoleic acid, associated with skin health. It also contains vitamins C, B6, B1 and B2.

It is rich in antioxidants

Sumac is rich in many antioxidant compounds. Experts believe that this is the main reason why it is used for therapeutic purposes. Sumac contains tannin, anthocyanin and flavonoids and these antioxidants fight to protect cells and reduce oxidative stress.

Sumac also has a detoxifying role, it has the ability to eliminate harmful substances from the body. Therefore, the general health will be much better and the physical appearance will improve significantly. As the body will no longer contain toxins, the skin will be cleaner, more elastic and much younger, and the hair will be much more resilient and shiny. Sumac has an even stronger antioxidant effect than many vegetables and fruits.

As you probably know, antioxidants effectively neutralize free radicals, preventing premature aging of the body and at the same time preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers. In terms of the antioxidant power of sumac, it is second only to clove powder. So, you have every reason to include this spice in your diet.

It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect

Gallic acid, which is found in large quantities in this spice, effectively fights bacteria. Sumac contains substances with strong anti-inflammatory properties, which are a real help for those suffering from arthritis, respiratory infections or skin inflammation. If you encounter a fever, then you can also confidently use the sumac, because it has the power to significantly reduce body temperature.

Balances blood sugar

There are studies that suggest that sumac may be an effective means of controlling blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Harm from sumac

Generally sumac has no side effects, but given that it is associated with cashews and mangoes, people who are allergic to these two foods should avoid consuming sumac to avoid potential allergic reactions. As it lowers blood sugar levels, it is recommended that you do not consume it if you are also given blood sugar pills.

Among the outstanding benefits of this spice are the positive effects in case of fever, cold, arthritis and bronchitis.

Fights bloating

Those who experience bloating are advised to consume sumac as often as possible to combat it. It also helps in case of intestinal gas or infection.

Participates in cancer prevention

This is undoubtedly an exceptional advantage of sumac. It is consumed regularly and in the long run has the power to prevent cancer.

Effectively fights obesity

Well, if you want to lose extra pounds or prevent their accumulation, then it is recommended to include in your diet this miraculous spice that has the ability to fight obesity.

Quickly eliminates infections

Because it has a strong microbial effect, sumac effectively fights salmonella and infections, and also has the ability to prevent many diseases due to pathogens.

Lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar

Those who suffer from obesity, type II diabetes or prediabetes will feel better if they include sumac in their diet. Daily application of only 3 g of sumac powder for a period of about 3 months will significantly lower blood glucose levels, but also bad cholesterol, while the level of good cholesterol will increase significantly.