Sorrel is the common name of Rumex acetosa species, from Polygonaceae family.
Also known as: spinach dock, garden sorrel, tom thumb's thousand fingers, sour leaves.
Sorrel flowers and leaves
Image credit: arpent nourricier
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Features of Sorrel
Height to 24-48 inches. Spread to 10-18 inches. Zone 4-8. Hardy perennial
reddish-green, ridged stem.
brown, small, tear-shaped seed.
lance-shaped, sour leaf.
reddish-green, spike-clustered, tiny flower.
Growing Sorrel
Propagate »
- by root division during autumn.
- by seed during spring.
- by self-seed.
Maintain »
- growth: Good as a pot-plant.
- pest: The plant attracts slugs and snails.
- thinning: 12 inches apart.
- transplant: 12 inches apart.
- trimming: deadhead flowers to boost leaf growth and regulate self-seeding.
- water: Water well to keep the leaves fresh.
Using Sorrel
Culinary
Fish and seafood
Good with salmon and other fish dishes. (Use leaf)
Salad
Add young leaves to salads for a lemony flavour. (Use leaf)
Sauce
Add lemony flavour to green sauces. (Use leaf)
Soup
Add to vegetable soups. (Use leaf)
Traditional Remedies
Traditional remedies may or may not be supported by scientific evidences.
Cautions
- Dosage » Large doses can be toxic.
- Conditions » Not recommended for arthritis conditions because of Sorrel's acidity.
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