Sumac vs. Zaatar — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 2, 2024
Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice made from dried and ground berries, while za'atar is a Middle Eastern spice blend that includes sumac, sesame seeds, and dried herbs like thyme.
Difference Between Sumac and Zaatar
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Sumac is derived from the berries of the Rhus coriaria bush, and its primary characteristic is its tangy, lemon-like flavor which adds acidity to dishes. On the other hand, za'atar combines sumac's tartness with the nuttiness of sesame seeds and the earthy notes of dried herbs, creating a more complex flavor profile.
While sumac is typically used as a standalone spice to enhance the flavor of meats, salads, and sauces with its sourness, za'atar is used more broadly as a seasoning for meats, vegetables, and is particularly famous for being sprinkled on flatbreads with olive oil. Za'atar’s diverse ingredients allow it to add multiple layers of flavor, unlike the singular note provided by sumac.
The color of sumac is deep red, contributing not just flavor but also a vibrant color to dishes. In contrast, za'atar, depending on its specific mixture of herbs and the proportion of sumac, generally appears greenish or tan, offering visual as well as gastronomic variety.
In terms of regional usage, sumac alone is often found in Turkish, Iranian, and Mediterranean cuisines as a condiment or seasoning. Za'atar, however, is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisines and has a cultural significance that extends beyond cooking, often used in traditional practices and regional rituals.
Although both sumac and za'atar can claim ancient origins, their use in modern kitchens worldwide varies; sumac is gaining popularity in contemporary cooking as a single spice, while za'atar is celebrated for its versatility and is incorporated into various fusion cuisines.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Ground dried berries of Rhus coriaria
Blend of sumac, sesame seeds, and dried herbs
Flavor
Tangy and lemony
Complex, combining tangy, nutty, and earthy notes
Common Uses
Meats, salads, sauces
Meats, vegetables, flatbreads
Color
Deep red
Greenish or tan, depending on herbs
Regional Popularity
Turkish, Iranian, Mediterranean cuisines
Predominantly Middle Eastern cuisines
Compare with Definitions
Sumac
Decorative garnish.
A pinch of sumac added color to the rice dish.
Zaatar
Spice blend.
Za'atar was mixed into the dough before baking.
Sumac
Meat seasoning.
Sumac was used to marinate the chicken overnight.
Zaatar
Flavor enhancer.
Za'atar added a complex flavor to the yogurt dip.
Sumac
Sauce ingredient.
Sumac is integral to the sauce's tangy flavor.
Zaatar
Seasoning for vegetables.
Roasted vegetables were seasoned with za'atar for extra flavor.
Sumac
Salad topping.
The salad was brightened with a dash of sumac.
Zaatar
Culinary tradition.
Making za'atar at home follows an old family recipe.
Sumac
Culinary spice.
She sprinkled sumac over the hummus for an extra zing.
Zaatar
Bread topping.
He coated the flatbread with olive oil and za'atar.
Sumac
Sumac ( or ), also spelled sumach, is any of about 35 species of flowering plants in the genus Rhus and related genera in the cashew family (Anacardiaceae). Sumacs grow in subtropical and temperate regions throughout the world, including East Asia, Africa, and North America.
Zaatar
A Middle Eastern mixture of herbs and spices typically containing thyme and marjoram or oregano along with sumac, sesame seeds, salt, and other ingredients.
Sumac
A shrub or small tree with compound leaves, reddish hairy fruits in conical clusters, and bright autumn colours.
Zaatar
A particular herb, similar in flavor to thyme or oregano, used in Arab and Israeli cuisine, made from various Middle Eastern herbs.
Sumac
Any of various shrubs or small trees of the genera Rhus and Toxicodendron, having compound leaves, clusters of small greenish flowers, and usually red, hairy fruit. Species in the genus Toxicodendron, such as poison sumac, have toxic sap.
Zaatar
A Middle Eastern seasoning, having the herb as the main ingredient, with sumac (or other tart-flavored equivalent) and sesame seeds.
Sumac
A tart, dark reddish-brown powder made from the ground dried fruits of a Eurasian sumac (Rhus coriaria), used as a seasoning in Middle Eastern cuisine.
Sumac
Any of various shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus and other genera in Anacardiaceae, particularly the elm-leaved sumac, Sicilian sumac, or tanner's sumac (Rhus coriaria).
Sumac
Dried and chopped-up leaves and stems of a plant of the genus Rhus, particularly the tanner's sumac (see sense 1), used for dyeing and tanning leather or for medicinal purposes.
Sumac
A sour spice popular in the Eastern Mediterranean, made from the berries of tanner's sumac.
Sumac
(transitive) To apply a preparation of sumac to (an object), for example, to a piece of leather to tan it.
Sumac
Any plant of the genus Rhus, shrubs or small trees with usually compound leaves and clusters of small flowers. Some of the species are used in tanning, some in dyeing, and some in medicine. One, the Japanese Rhus vernicifera, yields the celebrated Japan varnish, or lacquer.
Sumac
The powdered leaves, peduncles, and young branches of certain species of the sumac plant, used in tanning and dyeing.
Sumac
Wood of a sumac
Sumac
A shrub or tree of the genus Rhus (usually limited to the non-poisonous members of the genus)
Common Curiosities
What are the health benefits of za'atar?
Za'atar is thought to have antioxidant properties due to the herbs and sumac.
What is the main flavor note of sumac?
Sumac provides a tangy, lemony flavor.
How should sumac be stored for maximum freshness?
Sumac should be stored in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
Is sumac ever used in sweet dishes?
Rarely, as its tangy flavor is generally better suited to savory dishes.
Is za'atar gluten-free?
Pure za'atar should be gluten-free, but it's important to check for cross-contamination in commercial blends.
Can za'atar be made without sumac?
While possible, traditional za'atar includes sumac for its characteristic tangy taste.
Can I make my own za'atar at home?
Yes, blending dried herbs, sumac, and toasted sesame seeds can create homemade za'atar.
How does the inclusion of sesame seeds affect za'atar's flavor?
Sesame seeds add a nutty flavor that complements the tanginess of sumac and the earthiness of the herbs.
Does za'atar have any cultural significance?
In the Middle East, za'atar is not only a culinary staple but also part of traditional medicine and rituals.
Are there any substitutes for sumac if unavailable?
Lemon zest mixed with a pinch of salt can mimic sumac’s flavor.
What dishes are best enhanced by sumac?
Sumac shines in Mediterranean salads, grilled meats, and dips.
What are the key components that make za'atar distinctive?
The blend of sumac, sesame seeds, and specific dried herbs like thyme and oregano make za'atar uniquely flavorful.
Can za'atar be used in marinades?
Yes, it's excellent in marinades, offering depth and complexity to the flavors.
Is sumac available globally?
Yes, with the rise of global culinary exchanges, sumac is increasingly available worldwide.
What is the origin of sumac?
Sumac has been used in culinary and medicinal contexts in Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures for centuries.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
