Sumac

This reddish ground spice is made from the berries of the sumac bush, which is native to the Middle East and North America and is from the genus that includes poison ivy and oak. An ancient but relatively unknown spice, sumac is used as a souring agent in the same way as lemon juice or tamarind (in fact it was used by the Romans before the introduction of lemons). It has a hint of fruitiness, is pleasantly astringent and has almost no aroma. Sumac is used throughout the Middle East in marinades and sprinkled on breads, and is an essential ingredient in the spice mix Za’atar. Available: Middle Eastern food stores.