This Ground Sumac Tea (actually a tisane, herbal tea) is a refreshing 3-ingredient beverage that will freshen you up on a dull day (vegan, gluten-free).
Here are some more iced tea recipes that you may like – Passion Fruit Tea, Mango Iced Tea, Refreshing Apple Iced Tea, Strawberry Tea, Hibiscus Tea, and Lemon Tea.
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About Sumac Tea
Sumac Tea, which is actually a tisane (herbal tea) is a refreshing beverage made using 3 ingredients.
This tart and citrusy drink is perfect to sip on hot summer days when the sun is soaring high and the body needs constant hydration.
You can also serve this soothing tea hot on cold winter days along with your breakfast or for evening tea.
This easy-to-make tea is high in vitamin C and is loaded with immunity-boosting antioxidants.
My sumac tea recipe uses ground sumac as it is easily available but you can definitely make it using staghorn sumac berries as well.
What Is Sumac
Sumac (Rhus coriaria) is a flowering plant in the family Anacardiaceae, native to southern Europe, Africa, and western Asia.
There are two varieties of sumac, the one with white berries is actually poisonous but the one with red berries is safe to consume and has many health benefits.
The sumac plant grows to a height of 3-5 meters (10-16 feet). The leaves are oblong or elliptical in shape and have serrated edges. The flowers are small and greenish-yellow in color.
The fruit of the edible sumac plant is used to make a spice with a lemony flavor. It has a bright red color and a tart lemony taste.
It is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as in Indian, North African, and Turkish dishes. Sumac is also used as a natural food coloring agent.
The spice made from the fruit of the sumac plant is used as a seasoning or as a condiment. It is also used to add flavor to salads, soups, and stews.
Sumac can be purchased in the whole form or as a ground powder.
You will find sumac in the spice section of any large grocery store. It is also available online on portals like Amazon.
Ingredients
Sumac powder, water, and sweetener are the only 3 ingredients you will need to make this tea.
While buying sumac make sure it doesn’t contain salt and additives. It should be plain sumac powder. Sumac is easily available in the spice section of grocery stores or you can get it from the online grocery portal.
To sweeten the tea, you can use any sweetener of your choice like honey (not vegan), sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar. Sugar-free substitutes like stevia or monk fruit also work fine.
You can add brewed black or green tea to the recipe to make a variation.
Sumac Tea Health Benefits
Sumac tea has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may offer a range of health benefits.
Sumac tea is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are thought to protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer. The tea also contains tannins, which have astringent properties and can help relieve diarrhea.
In addition, this tea is a good source of vitamin C. This vitamin is important for immune system function and helps the body absorb iron from food.
Sumac tea is generally considered safe to consume. However, people with kidney stones or other kidney problems should avoid drinking it because it contains oxalates, which can worsen these conditions.
How To Make Sumac Tea
Add ground sumac to a pitcher.
Add water and stir well.
Refrigerate for 12-16 hours.
Pour the liquid into another pitcher through a coffee filter, nut milk bag, or layered cheesecloth to remove solids.
Add a few ice cubes to tall serving glasses and pour the tea over the ice.
Add the sweetener of your choice and stir well.
Garnish with a mint sprig and serve immediately.
Storage Suggestions
This tea can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days in a covered glass container.
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Recipe Card
Ground Sumac Tea Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground sumac
- 1 litre water
- sweetener (honey, sugar, maple syrup etc, as required)
Instructions
- Add ground sumac to a pitcher.
- Add water and stir well. Refrigerate for 12-16 hours.
- Pour the liquid into another pitcher through a nut milk bag, coffee filter, or a layered cheesecloth to remove solids.
- Add a few ice cubes to tall serving glasses and pour the tea over the ice.
- Add the sweetener of your choice and stir well.
- Garnish with a mint sprig and serve immediately.
Simon
What if I know some places to pick it? Can I just put the berries in a blender or juicer? I’m in Toronto & none of our stores (At least the ones my mom shops at.) sell ground sumac. Now, knowing that I haven’t ground any sumac, I can’t judge your recipe just yet.
Neha Mathur
Ground sumac is easily available online on Amazon. If you want to use fresh berries, then look out for recipe that are made using them. I hope this helps.