Sumac

From www.leather-dictionary.com - The Leather Dictionary
Jump to: navigation, search

LEATHER-DICTIONARY.jpg


Sumach.jpg

The sumac plant.

 

Sumac is a versatile plant native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia. It can reach the size of a small tree at a height of 1-3 metres and is characterized by soft, deep green leaves. These contain urushiol, which usually leads to prolonged allergic skin irritations. Only 15 to 30% of all humans are immune to this substance, while 25% of the world's population is particularly sensitive to urushiol. The flowers are yellow-green and the fruits orange-red.

Tannins from the leaves of the sumac are used in leather production. Its tannin content is 13 to 28%. The bark can be used as a colouring agent for textiles and wool, while the dried, ripe fruits of the plant (the immature fruits are poisonous) are processed as a sour spice for Arabian and Iranian dishes.


Additional information


Colourlock-GB-03.jpg

WE UNDERSTAND LEATHER - WWW.COLOURLOCK.COM