Staghorn Sumac...

[Trekon86]

Yes, I said sumac.
Not of the poisonous variety--what you want is the red-berried kind, NOT white berries! White berries = BAD! Red Berries = Goodness.
Harvest some red berries off of a staghorn sumac bush, break them off their stem, put them in some cold cold water, and let em soak for 1-2 hours.
Mash them around from time to time.
Then strain the "tea" through a doubled-up bandanna or cheesecloth or paper towel or something to get the little prickly hairs out, this is very important. Do it twice or three times till all the pricklies are gone, and then take a sip. It's sort of like lemonade--I think you'll like it
Here's a link to an Alt Med page listing traditional uses for sumac:

http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/Staghorn_Sumac.html

AND:

http://www.arnatural.org/Wildfoods/Uses_Trees.htm#Sumac

It says that sumac was used by the Indians to make cough syrup, as a food (the roots/tubers), root bark as an astringent or to staunch bleeding.

Cheers,
PMZ

 

[Giguere]

Kinda funny as I've done this before. My family on my dads side are all outdoorsy folk. Hiking, hunting and fishing up here in the Adirondacks. Staghorn grows in abundance around here and was a valued part of our native peoples "Shopping cart." My grandma remembers her mother making her a cough syrup with Staghorn when she was a girl. My dad and I have tried this once or twice. Its actually quite delicious, especially when some sugar is added. Tastes like Pink Lemonade.

 

[Ripmyfly]

Yummy. It is a new family tradition.

 

[Eagle]

Makes real fine fuel for your bee smoker too.

 

[Tomahawk]

stag horn

we drank the Stag horn Sumac "lemon aid" when i was a kid on a fairly regular basis.

tasty,

tomahawk

 

[Chazz_Hiben]

I am will have to try this thanks.

 

[RobertRogers]

Very tasty drink to be sure - but watch out for little white grubs that often infest the seed head. In my area I can hardly find a sumac without dozens of these pests.

 

[RangerJoe]

you said it....lemonade

 

[Woodswanderer]

Yes, I said sumac.
Not of the poisonous variety--what you want is the red-berried kind, NOT white berries! White berries = BAD! Red Berries = Goodness.
Harvest some red berries off of a staghorn sumac bush, break them off their stem, put them in some cold cold water, and let em soak for 1-2 hours.
Mash them around from time to time.
Then strain the "tea" through a doubled-up bandanna or cheesecloth or paper towel or something to get the little prickly hairs out, this is very important. Do it twice or three times till all the pricklies are gone, and then take a sip. It's sort of like lemonade--I think you'll like it
Here's a link to an Alt Med page listing traditional uses for sumac:

http://www.bio.brandeis.edu/fieldbio/medicinal_plants/pages/Staghorn_Sumac.html

AND:

http://www.arnatural.org/Wildfoods/Uses_Trees.htm#Sumac

It says that sumac was used by the Indians to make cough syrup, as a food (the roots/tubers), root bark as an astringent or to staunch bleeding.

Cheers,
PMZ

Trek tried it at the fall plant class with Tom at Midwest Survival Instute, It was very refreshing and they did it just the way you did! I have found some great source's on the way home from work for next year's crop! A very nice cocktail indeed!!!
Steve

 

[BushBum]

staghorn sumac also makes a fine bowdrill wood.

 

[Bush Otter]

I know where some of that sumac is and I will look out for worms, and get some of the wood for a spindle for a fire bow. I have read where the summac seeds are a good seasoning for fish as well.

 

[sotramk]

Harvested some staghorn while out walking today. I've always prized it as a tinder/kindling. Will have to try the beverage from the berries.

 

[BillCr]

I know where some of that sumac is and I will look out for worms, and get some of the wood for a spindle for a fire bow. I have read where the summac seeds are a good seasoning for fish as well.

I just harvested some Sumac, and I'm not entirely sure if I have Smooth or Staghorn Sumac, but I definately know it is not Poison Sumac.

I checked them for worms and did not see any. But if I filter the ade through a coffee filter, this should get rid of any worms??? What do you all think?

 

[MATT CHAOS]

Thanks! If I can find some, I will try some.

 

[OzaawaaMigiziNini]

you said it....lemonade

Twas a good hot lemonade too!

 

[mainewoods]

Rememeber The types I Know a Guy who Got The Wrong Type Here is a Good Link:
http://poison-sumac.org/

 

[Seeker]

we made some when i was a scout, and yes, pink lemonade was about how it tasted... good stuff, but better with sugar!

 

[BillCr]

Made some this evening. I only let them soak for about an hour. I cut the larger stems off. Added a teaspoon of sugar to my glass with a few ice cubes. It was very refreshing. Will be going back for more to make a gallon.

First Impressions Staghorn or Smooth Sumac - YouTube