Sumac during shemitah - KS
Question
Hi, I was given a gift of wild sumac. I don't know if it's primarily used in food or medicine in Israel. Is it sefichin, and does it have kedushah? I have no idea what to do with it but I'll offer to anyone who wants if I know its status.
Answer
Rabbi Moshe Bloom, Tammuz 5782
Sumac's Latin name is Rhus coriaria, and it is a perennial edible plant. This means that it is not sefichin (the sefichin porhibition applies to annual plants only).
While also used for its medicinal properties, it is widely used in Mediterranean cuisine as a spice. Thus it does have kedushat shevi'it. Any food seasoned with sumac will also have kedushah and should be handled accordingly.