The only edible sumac is red sumac. Poison Sumac Key Points Poison sumac (species name Toxicodendron vernix) is a toxic plant that causes an itchy, red skin rash. Contributor. That sumac is poisonous! Note the different shaped leaves of the poison sumac and the bright red stems. Photo by Green Deane. Poison sumac produces white-colored fruit and can cause allergic reactions similar to those from poison ivy or poison oak. My … It can be used in the making of a sumac Mojito or a frozen sumac margarita, or simply sumacade with vodka. Sumac – A Spice with Health Benefits. It is a close relative of poison ivy, but without the painful volatile oils that many people are allergic to. Know what you are looking for, before foraging. While poison sumac is related to the variety of sumac that is consumed as a spice, they are very different plants. Summary Sumac is … Orange Fall Foliage . It helps to dry out the sinuses in colds, sinus infections, and allergies. The dried fruits are used as a spice, particularly in combination with other spices in the mixture called za’atar. 07 of 13. It doesn't matter which one - the Staghorn or Smooth Sumac, as they are the same from an eating perspective. Emily Han is a Los Angeles-based recipe … Since it is in the same family as cashew, those with an allergy to this tree nut should consult a doctor before eating. Skin dermatitis, rashes, and itching from sumac spice due to urushiol content is a myth. 2/3 cups maple syrup. 3-4 clusters sumac. … Poison sumac is related to poison ivy and poison oak plants, which is why all three plants can cause similar skin rashes. Like poison ivy, the color of poison sumac's mature berry is whitish. Continue to 7 of 13 below. 2 cups ice. The fruit on this species is also fuzzy, with lots of tiny hairs on each berry in its fruit clusters. Read more: 6 Natural Remedies for Springtime Allergies Also, people can be allergic to sumac, just like everything else. Proceed accordingly. There are some 250 sumac species in the genus. In severe cases, a person allergic to … Sumac Berry Lemonade One man’s pest is another man’s pearl. Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac all contain urushiol. Good reason though.....poison ivy is in the same family as the sumacs (Anacardiaceae - cashew family) and even the same genus....Rhus radicans. Serving size: 1 ½ cup . I would be careful with that one. Nettles may seem like the most unlikely side dish. Br J Haematol. The berry clusters are beautiful to look at, and actually make a nice drink. Poison sumac is white, not red like sumac spice. 2 cups fresh or thawed blueberries. Note: Sumac is related to cashews and mangoes, anyone allergic to those foods should avoid it. It is considered a relative of both sorghum and poison ivy, though it lacks the latter’s allergy-inducing volatile oils. Pistachios taste good. Sumac's bright acidity complements a wide variety of cuisines and flavors. All it needs is an abandoned field, highway median or roadside ditch and it’s happy as can be. Sumac comes from sorghum, a species of wild-growing grasses. ½ cup fresh or thawed blackberries. Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) grows just about anywhere and everywhere all across the eastern part of the United States. Summary: Sumac spice makes for quite a refreshing summer drink that rivals lemonade. Sumac (pronounced SOO-mak) is the fruit of a shrub (Rhus coriaria) that grows throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean. 3 quarts cold water. Never ever eat white sumac! These edible plants are also known as smooth upland sumac, scarlet sumac, dwarf sumac, lemonade tree, vinegar tree, shining sumac, mountain sumac, hairy sumac, velvet sumac, Virginian sumac, and winged sumac (Angier [2008] 1974: 224; Kindscher 1987: 191; Medve and Medve 1990: 183). Prep time: 15 minutes . It is a versatile spice, and can be added to a meat rub, used as a flavoring in vegetable dishes (such as eggplant), and is the perfect seasoning for homemade hummus.Sumac is an ideal match for lamb and duck as it cuts through the fattiness of the meat. However, anyone with known allergies to any member of the Cashew Family should avoid consuming sumac. There’s nothing like a tasty plant that just loves to grow in just about anywhere, it’s a forager’s dream. If you're not allergic to them you will probably won't be allergic to Sumac. David Beaulieu The fall foliage of poison sumac is magnificent, especially because the leaves don't all turn the same color at the same time. The leaves of the three species differ slightly as well. REFERENCES: Ballas, S. K. Hydration of sickle erythrocytes using a herbal extract (Pfaffia paniculata) in vitro. Additional materials. Don’t confuse the sumac spice with poison sumac. 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