Tag: Culinary sumac

According to a 2025 systematic review of clinical trials published in the National Institutes of Health database, sumac supplementation significantly reduced hs-CRP concentrations in adults, suggesting potential anti-inflammatory benefits. The good news is that culinary sumac is generally safe and healthy, but a dangerous lookalike has fueled misconceptions about its safety for years.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, poison sumac (*Toxicodendron vernix*) is considered more allergenic than poison ivy, but the culinary varieties are perfectly safe for human consumption. A common misconception about the spice has led many to question, 'Is sumac toxic to humans?'