Sumac

Sumac may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. 

Sumac refers to the dried, ground berries of a shrub native to the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its tangy, lemony flavor and deep red color, sumac has been used in regional cuisines for thousands of years. It is a defining seasoning in dishes such as fattoush, musakhan, and grilled kebabs, and an essential component in many versions of the spice blend za’atar. Sumac adds brightness and acidity to dishes in place of citrus, connecting cooking practices that span the Levant, Turkey, Iran, and parts of North Africa.

• Add sumac to a dish after cooking to preserve its fresh, lemony aroma.

• Use in place of citrus when you want bright flavor without extra liquid.

• Store in an airtight container away from heat and light to maintain the spice’s color and flavor.

• Serve with chickpeas, chicken, potatoes, and yogurt—common flavor pairings in cuisines where sumac is traditional.

No. Finely ground sumac presents a low risk when safely prepared for a child’s age and developmental ability, though, in theory, an individual could choke on any food. To reduce the risk, prepare and serve sumac in an age-appropriate way as described in the How to Serve section. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment and stay within reach of baby during meals. 

Learn the signs of choking and more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue.

No. Allergies to sumac are rare, but have been reported.^[1] Sumac is in the same botanical family as cashews and pistachios (Anacardiaceae), so individuals who are allergic to those nuts may have an allergic reaction to sumac.^[2] Note that certain spice blends that feature sumac may contain common food allergens (such as sesame seeds in za’atar), so make sure to read labels thoroughly if your child has food allergies.

Spices such as sumac can also cause symptoms that resemble allergic reactions. For example, inhaling a puff of powdered sumac can irritate the nasal passageways and trigger sneezing and coughing, but may not be triggered by an allergic reaction.^[3] Additionally, certain spices, like sumac, may cause contact rashes due to potentially skin-irritating components in the food, but not necessarily due to an allergy.^{[4] [3]}

Foods seasoned with spices like sumac may cause a harmless rash around the mouth while baby eats or may cause or worsen diaper rash. Try applying a thin layer of barrier cream or ointment—such as pure petroleum jelly or a plant-based oil/wax balm—to baby’s face and diaper area to help prevent contact rashes.

Yes. Sumac offers small amounts of a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber and also contains phytochemicals like flavonoids, polyphenols, anthocyanins and more.^{[5] [6] [7]} These compounds may offer antimicrobial, antioxidant, and other beneficial properties to support baby’s overall bodily resilience.^{[5] [6] [7]}

There is another plant, also known as sumac, that is poisonous and completely unrelated to culinary or edible sumac. Touching or inhaling the components of poisonous sumac can lead to serious contact irritation reactions and should be avoided.^[8]

There are two very different plants that go by the name sumac. Culinary sumac, the kind you would buy from the market or grocery store, is not poisonous and perfectly safe to eat. Poison sumac, an unrelated plant, grows wild in parts of North America and is toxic. Touching or inhaling the components of poison sumac can lead to serious contact irritation reactions and should be avoided.^[8]

Yes. Babies can have age-appropriate foods that have been seasoned with za’atar, like hummus or a chicken drumstick. That said, make sure that any common allergens in the seasoning have been safely introduced first–some versions of za’atar contain sesame seeds, a common allergen.