Sumac Cider

Sumac’s red berries make a wonderful cider to enjoy in the fall. I harvest my berries from locations away from pollution and before they get too dried out. Place your berries on a white towel and use a fork to get berries separated from the plant.

4 cups water

¼ cup sumac berries, crushed

1 lemon or orange, juiced

1 cinnamon stick or tsp chips

1 ginger root slice or 1 tbs chips

6 cloves

1 star anise

honey to taste

• Combine water, berries, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and anise in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat for a minimum of 30 minutes.

• Make sure you keep the water level similar or you will have nothing to drink.

• After 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on how strong you want). Strain the spices and sumac berries out using a fine mesh sieve while pouring into your jar.

• Sweeten to taste with honey. Also add a splash of citrus juice.

• Serve and enjoy.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/sumac