SUMAC

After a month of lusting over it’s beautiful cones on the side of the highway, it’s time to start harvesting sumac (Rhus typhina), also known as the Lemonade Tree. Close to where I camp, I found some suitable to forage and will make some tasty shrubs at home.

Sumac is tart and fruity, and very high in antioxidants. Make a lemonade by gathering fruit clusters in late-summer/early-fall before the rain washes way its flavour. Soak in cold water, not hot water which will leach out tannins and make the drink bitter. Strain and enjoy as is or add some honey for sweetness.

One concern about foraging for sumac is that it's poisonous. Luckily, it's easy to differentiate safe from poisonous. Poisonous plants have white berries and safe, Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) has beautiful red fuzzy cones.

So go ahead and confidently make yourself some sumac lemonade, and get your antioxidants, along with some vitamin C and trace minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Dr. Cristina Allen ND
Naturopathic Doctor