The Rise of Sumac: How a Tangy Ancient Spice is Taking Over Modern Kitchens

If you’ve been scanning restaurant menus or scrolling through recipe reels lately, chances are you’ve spotted a deep red spice popping up everywhere: sumac. Food lovers are calling it the “new lemon,” chefs are dusting it across everything from grilled meats to cocktails, and home cooks are eager to capture its bright, tangy punch. But while sumac may feel like the latest food trend, its story goes back centuries and for us at The Warrior Blends, it’s part of our roots.

What is Sumac?

Sumac is a spice made from the dried, ground berries of the sumac shrub. Its flavor is tart, citrusy, and slightly earthy like a squeeze of lemon with a wilder edge. Across the world, different varieties of sumac have been used for thousands of years. In Middle Eastern cooking, it’s a beloved table spice, sprinkled over kebabs, rice, and salads.

Here in North America, staghorn sumac has long been used by Indigenous peoples, not only as a seasoning but also brewed into a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink sometimes called “sumac lemonade.” This connection to land and tradition is why we proudly feature staghorn sumac in our Boreal Pepper Blend.

Why Sumac is Trending Now

The rise of sumac fits right into today’s food movement. People are seeking bold, natural flavors that do more than just add heat or salt. Sumac’s tangy zing brightens food without overpowering it, making it a favorite for chefs who want balance.

• Healthful benefits: Sumac is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

• Foraged & local appeal: In an age of rediscovering native and wild foods, staghorn sumac represents a return to nature.

• Culinary creativity: From hummus to cocktails, sumac is as versatile as it is striking.

It’s no wonder this humble red berry is stepping into the spotlight.

How to Use Sumac in Everyday Cooking

The beauty of sumac lies in its versatility. Here are some easy ways to bring it into your kitchen:

• Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables, fish, or popcorn for an instant lift.

• Stir it into yogurt or hummus for a tangy twist.

• Brighten drinks with a pinch in lemonade or even a sumac-salted cocktail rim.

• Upgrade your seasonings with blends like our Boreal Pepper Blend, where staghorn sumac joins four types of peppercorns for a bold, earthy-citrus punch. A teaspoon in your Ceasar Salad is a game changer.

Recipe Spotlight: Boreal Pepper & Sumac Roasted Salmon Bites

Serves 4 as an appetizer

Ingredients:

• 1 lb fresh salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp Boreal Pepper Blend

• 1 tsp sea salt

• Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick parchment.

2. Toss salmon cubes with olive oil, Boreal Pepper Blend, and salt until evenly coated.

3. Roast for 10–12 minutes, until salmon is just cooked through.

4. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley. Serve warm with a lemon wedge or a creamy yogurt dip.

✨ Bright, earthy, and citrusy—this dish is the perfect example of how sumac transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Beyond Trendy—Back to the Roots

While the culinary world is just now waking up to sumac’s potential, Indigenous communities have long celebrated it as both food and medicine. For us, using staghorn sumac isn’t about chasing trends it’s about honoring tradition while inviting more people to taste its brilliance.

So the next time you want to liven up your cooking, season like a warrior. Grab our Boreal Pepper Blend and let sumac show you why this ancient spice is becoming today’s favorite flavor.