Sorrel: Large Leaf (Rumex acetosa)
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Large Leaf Sorrel, said to be the most strongly flavored of sorrels, is especially valued for its early appearance in spring; in centuries past, sorrel provided a necessary source of vitamins and nutrients after a long winter. Though not especially well known in North America, Europeans have made use of this versatile plant since the 17th century; it makes itself useful as a culinary herb, cut fresh for salads, or cooked for greens. French chefs in particular often include sorrel in their salads, soups, and sauces. Sorrel soup grew to be especially loved, and eventually Americans with a taste for this delicacy learned to make their own version with a native sorrel. Sorrel has proven health benefits including reducing fever, generalized inflammation, and preventing scurvy. This powerful plant provides a very good source of vitamins, including A, B, C, D, E, and K; however, it can be toxic in large quantities.
Scientific Name: Rumex acetosa
Also Known As: Garden Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel, Dock, Sour Dock, De Belleville Sorrel.
Native Range: Britain, Eurasia.
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): June to August
Light: Full Sun.
Water: Medium
Soil Moisture: Medium. Well Drained.
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: No.
Containers: Yes.
Maintenance: Low
Height: 18-24"
Spacing: 12-15”
Sow Depth: 1/4"
USDA Zone: 3-9
Produces: large, arrow shaped green leaves.
Garden Uses: Grown in the herb or vegetable garden. Flower spikes can produce a somewhat showy effect with a large planting. Can also be grown well in containers.
Also Known As: Garden Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel, Dock, Sour Dock, De Belleville Sorrel.
Native Range: Britain, Eurasia.
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): June to August
Light: Full Sun.
Water: Medium
Soil Moisture: Medium. Well Drained.
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: No.
Containers: Yes.
Maintenance: Low
Height: 18-24"
Spacing: 12-15”
Sow Depth: 1/4"
USDA Zone: 3-9
Produces: large, arrow shaped green leaves.
Garden Uses: Grown in the herb or vegetable garden. Flower spikes can produce a somewhat showy effect with a large planting. Can also be grown well in containers.
Sorrel can be started indoors 3-4 weeks before the last spring frost. Sow the seed thinly 1/4" deep and press the soil down slightly to ensure good contact; germination should take place within 21 days. Transplant the seedlings in rich, well draining soil and full sun or partial shade after the last chance of frost, placing them 12-15" apart in rows 18" apart. For direct sowing, plant the seeds 4-6" apart and thin the seedlings to 12-15" apart. For a continuous harvest, sow a new crop every 2 weeks until the heat of summer. Sorrel can also be propagated by cuttings or root division.
Keep the soil rich and moist for the best tasting leaves; a layer of mulch may help keep the soil cool, control weeds, and slow bolting. Removing the developing seed stalks also slows bolting; when the plant bolts, cut it off at ground level and it will produce a new crop of leaves. Watch out for slugs, which will harm the leaves. If grown as a perennial, sorrel will need to be covered thickly over the winter for protection. In the spring of its fourth year, sorrel plants may need to be dug up and divided to continue their healthy growth.
Fresh leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a length of 3-5". Harvest the outer leaves until the plant becomes established, when the entire plant can be cut at ground level. Small, tender leaves have the mildest flavor, while the large leaves make excellent greens when cooked; cooking greatly lessens the sharpness of the flavor. Sorrel also freezes well.
Fresh leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a length of 3-5". Harvest the outer leaves until the plant becomes established, when the entire plant can be cut at ground level. Small, tender leaves have the mildest flavor, while the large leaves make excellent greens when cooked; cooking greatly lessens the sharpness of the flavor. Sorrel also freezes well.
Small, tender leaves have the mildest flavor, while the large leaves make excellent greens when cooked; cooking greatly lessens the sharpness of the flavor.
Leaves: raw or cooked. They make a thirst-quenching on their own, or can be added to salads, used as a potherb or pureed and used in soups. A delicious lemon-like flavor, liked by most people who try them, they can be rather overpowering in quantity and are more generally used as a flavoring in mixed salads. The leaves can also be dried for later use. The leaves can be available all through the winter, especially in mild weather or if a little protection is given to the plants. The leaves should be used sparingly in the diet. The juice of the leaves can be used as a curdling agent for milks.
Flowers: cooked as a vegetable or used as a garnish.
Root: cooked. It is dried, ground into a powder and made into noodles.
Seed: raw or cooked. Ground into a powder and mixed with other flours to make bread. The seed is easy to harvest, but is rather small and fiddly to use.
Leaves: raw or cooked. They make a thirst-quenching on their own, or can be added to salads, used as a potherb or pureed and used in soups. A delicious lemon-like flavor, liked by most people who try them, they can be rather overpowering in quantity and are more generally used as a flavoring in mixed salads. The leaves can also be dried for later use. The leaves can be available all through the winter, especially in mild weather or if a little protection is given to the plants. The leaves should be used sparingly in the diet. The juice of the leaves can be used as a curdling agent for milks.
Flowers: cooked as a vegetable or used as a garnish.
Root: cooked. It is dried, ground into a powder and made into noodles.
Seed: raw or cooked. Ground into a powder and mixed with other flours to make bread. The seed is easy to harvest, but is rather small and fiddly to use.
The fresh or dried leaves are astringent, diuretic, laxative and refrigerant. They are used to make a cooling drink in the treatment of fevers and are especially useful in the treatment of scurvy. The leaf juice, mixed with fumitory, has been used as a cure for itchy skin and ringworm. An infusion of the root is astringent, diuretic and homeostatic. It has been used in the treatment of jaundice, gravel and kidney stones. Both the roots and the seeds have been used to stem hemorrhages. A paste of the root is applied to set dislocated bones. The plant is depurative and stomachic. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of spasms and skin ailments.
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Notwithstanding culinary uses, this plant is considered by many to be an aggressive weed.
Companions: Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Pear.
Companions: Rosemary, Sage, Thyme and Pear.
Apart from being a leafy vegetable, it has a lot of amazing and nutritious qualities. Let’s see what health benefits are found in sorrel that makes it such a wonderful addition to your diet.
Aids in Digestion: The high content of dietary fiber that can be found in most varieties of sorrel means that your digestive health can be improved by adding these leaves to your soups and salads. Dietary fiber adds bulk to food as it moves through the digestive system, improving your gastrointestinal health and reducing conditions like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping, as well as gastrointestinal issues. Dietary fiber can also help to reduce total cholesterol in the body, thereby protecting heart health, and reducing chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Regulates Blood Pressure: Sorrel has a very significant level of potassium (1 cup contains 15% of your daily recommended intake), which is an essential mineral for human health. Potassium is a vasodilator, as well as is instrumental in maintaining fluid balance throughout the body. This means that potassium reduces the stress on the cardiovascular system by relaxing the blood vessels and arteries. Lowered blood pressure reduces the chances of dangerous blood clotting and excessive strain on the heart that can lead to coronary heart disease and other complications.
Prevents Cancer: Although the studies looking into the antioxidant components of sorrel are still ongoing, there is a good evidence that it contains polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, all of which function as antioxidants in the human body. The wealth of antioxidants that sorrel contains means that it is very effective at seeking out free radicals in the body and neutralizing them before they can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells. Antioxidants have a wide range of effects in the body, but cancer prevention is their most high-profile benefit.
Improves Eyesight: Vitamin A, another of the essential vitamins found in sorrel, has been closely connected to the improvement in eyesight and a reduction of macular degeneration and cataracts. Beta-carotene, which is a derivative of vitamin A, acts as an antioxidant, and combined with the other important antioxidant compounds in the body, it can greatly boost eye health and prevent age-related degradation.
Circulation and Energy: The significant levels of iron in sorrel mean that it boosts the red blood cell production and prevents anemia (iron deficiency). Increased circulation boosts oxygen levels throughout the body in the vital organs, boosts hair growth, increases energy levels, and speeds up the healing process (in conjunction with the protein content of sorrel).
Boosts Immunity: The vitamin C content in sorrel is impressive (a single cup of sorrel contains 106% of your daily recommended intake), which means that your immune system can be optimized. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, stimulates the immune system and increases the white blood cell count in the body, which is the first line of defense against pathogens and other foreign invaders in the body. Vitamin C also helps to reduce swelling, prevent scurvy, and even has analgesic (pain-relief) properties when consumed in high quantities.
Treats Skin Conditions: The leaves of sorrel have been used in two ways to treat skin conditions. The leaves, when dried as an herb can be eaten, and this has been connected with a reduction in ringworm and itchy, dry skin. When fresh leaves are ground up, the liquid that is extracted can be applied topically to the infected area in question to reduce rashes and irritation. This is likely due to the vitamin C and vitamin A content in the leaves, as well as the other nutraceuticals found in this herb.
Heart Health and Diabetes: Apart from the other heart-related benefits, it is important to remember that sorrel belongs to the oxalis family, which has been closely associated with improving the condition of diabetics and boosting heart health in general. Again, this is likely due to the organic compounds and anthocyanins found in sorrel, which interact with almost every system in the body to boost functionality and health.
Improves Kidney Health: Sorrel has been shown to have a diuretic effect, particularly when the leaves are dried and then consumed within a few days. As a diuretic, sorrel stimulates urination, which cleans out the kidneys, taking with it any extra toxins, salts, water, and even a certain percentage of fat.
Word of Caution: Oxalic acid is a toxin, so eating sorrel in a moderate amount is important. Also, oxalic acid contributes to the growth of kidney stones, so if that is already a health concern, you should avoid eating oxalic acid-rich foods like sorrel. Also, when cooking sorrel, do not use cast iron or aluminum cookware, as the metal will interact with oxalic acid and cause the herb to take on a very unpleasant metallic taste.
Aids in Digestion: The high content of dietary fiber that can be found in most varieties of sorrel means that your digestive health can be improved by adding these leaves to your soups and salads. Dietary fiber adds bulk to food as it moves through the digestive system, improving your gastrointestinal health and reducing conditions like constipation, diarrhea, bloating, and cramping, as well as gastrointestinal issues. Dietary fiber can also help to reduce total cholesterol in the body, thereby protecting heart health, and reducing chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Regulates Blood Pressure: Sorrel has a very significant level of potassium (1 cup contains 15% of your daily recommended intake), which is an essential mineral for human health. Potassium is a vasodilator, as well as is instrumental in maintaining fluid balance throughout the body. This means that potassium reduces the stress on the cardiovascular system by relaxing the blood vessels and arteries. Lowered blood pressure reduces the chances of dangerous blood clotting and excessive strain on the heart that can lead to coronary heart disease and other complications.
Prevents Cancer: Although the studies looking into the antioxidant components of sorrel are still ongoing, there is a good evidence that it contains polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, all of which function as antioxidants in the human body. The wealth of antioxidants that sorrel contains means that it is very effective at seeking out free radicals in the body and neutralizing them before they can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells. Antioxidants have a wide range of effects in the body, but cancer prevention is their most high-profile benefit.
Improves Eyesight: Vitamin A, another of the essential vitamins found in sorrel, has been closely connected to the improvement in eyesight and a reduction of macular degeneration and cataracts. Beta-carotene, which is a derivative of vitamin A, acts as an antioxidant, and combined with the other important antioxidant compounds in the body, it can greatly boost eye health and prevent age-related degradation.
Circulation and Energy: The significant levels of iron in sorrel mean that it boosts the red blood cell production and prevents anemia (iron deficiency). Increased circulation boosts oxygen levels throughout the body in the vital organs, boosts hair growth, increases energy levels, and speeds up the healing process (in conjunction with the protein content of sorrel).
Boosts Immunity: The vitamin C content in sorrel is impressive (a single cup of sorrel contains 106% of your daily recommended intake), which means that your immune system can be optimized. Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, stimulates the immune system and increases the white blood cell count in the body, which is the first line of defense against pathogens and other foreign invaders in the body. Vitamin C also helps to reduce swelling, prevent scurvy, and even has analgesic (pain-relief) properties when consumed in high quantities.
Treats Skin Conditions: The leaves of sorrel have been used in two ways to treat skin conditions. The leaves, when dried as an herb can be eaten, and this has been connected with a reduction in ringworm and itchy, dry skin. When fresh leaves are ground up, the liquid that is extracted can be applied topically to the infected area in question to reduce rashes and irritation. This is likely due to the vitamin C and vitamin A content in the leaves, as well as the other nutraceuticals found in this herb.
Heart Health and Diabetes: Apart from the other heart-related benefits, it is important to remember that sorrel belongs to the oxalis family, which has been closely associated with improving the condition of diabetics and boosting heart health in general. Again, this is likely due to the organic compounds and anthocyanins found in sorrel, which interact with almost every system in the body to boost functionality and health.
Improves Kidney Health: Sorrel has been shown to have a diuretic effect, particularly when the leaves are dried and then consumed within a few days. As a diuretic, sorrel stimulates urination, which cleans out the kidneys, taking with it any extra toxins, salts, water, and even a certain percentage of fat.
Word of Caution: Oxalic acid is a toxin, so eating sorrel in a moderate amount is important. Also, oxalic acid contributes to the growth of kidney stones, so if that is already a health concern, you should avoid eating oxalic acid-rich foods like sorrel. Also, when cooking sorrel, do not use cast iron or aluminum cookware, as the metal will interact with oxalic acid and cause the herb to take on a very unpleasant metallic taste.
Dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots, they do not need a mordant. A grey-blue dye is obtained from the leaves and stems. An infusion of the stems is used as a polish for bamboo and wicker furniture and also for silver. The juice of the plant removes stains from linen and also ink stains (but not ball-point ink) from white material. It is sometimes sold as "essential salt of lemon".
Suggested Varieties
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
$1.00 - $5.60
Rosemary, whose Latin name means "dew of the sea," is native to the rocky slopes of the Mediterranean coast. Because it traditionally symbolizes happiness, protection, and love, medieval brides often wore rosemary or carried it in their bouquets. Legend has it that the flowers of rosemary, originally white, obtained their heavenly blue color from the cloak of the virgin Mary in her flight to Egypt. Rosemary is often grown for topiaries and hedges, in addition to being used for making fragrant garlands and wreaths. When used medicinally or for aromatherapy, rosemary gives relief from headaches, tension, depression, or fatigue; externally, oil of rosemary makes an excellent addition to massage oil for rheumatism or aching joints. This herb gained an early medicinal reputation for improving memory and uplifting spirits. Medicinal doses are not safe for pregnant women, but normal culinary use is fine.
Sage: Broadleaf (Salvia officinalis)
$1.00 - $5.60
Broadleaf sage (Salvia officinalis), also called culinary sage, produces aromatic foliage suitable for kitchen use. The attractive. broad, gray-green leaves remain lush throughout summer, and the plant forms attractive blue or lavender flowers in early summer. Sage grows reliably as a perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 to 8, but it can be enjoyed as an annual in other climates. The bushy plant complements both herb gardens and ornamental beds while providing a summer-long harvest of leaves.
Sage: Scarlet (Salvia coccinea)
$1.00 - $5.60
Closely related to the Red Salvia, this wildflower is somewhat less formal, and tends to look most becoming in natural wild gardens. The spikes of the fire-engine red flowers add great color and interest to a meadow, while attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. This carefree annual is the only native sage to have red flowers!
Sage: Meadow (Salvia Pratensis)
$1.00 - $5.60
Meadow Sage is useful for its rich display of spikes in the early summer border. This selection is medium in size, with flowers of deep violet-blue. Remove faded blooms to encourage repeat flowering. Excellent for cutting. Tolerates heat and humidity but appreciates a soil that does not dry out. Plants may be easily divided in early spring or fall. In mild winter regions this may stay evergreen but should be trimmed back hard in early spring. Attractive to both butterflies and hummingbirds.
Sage: Prairie (Artemisia frigida)
$1.00 - $5.60
Prairie Sage grows prolifically in the mountains and prairies of the United States, providing high quality winter forage for wild animals such as pronghorn, grouse, and elk. It also survives the harsh climate of the steppes of Canada, Siberia, and Mongolia; the first recorded mention of this species in the wild occurred in Siberia in 1803. Its unusual root system enables it to adjust to the moisture level of the soil, growing either a deep taproot or branching roots near the surface. Native Americans and early settlers used the foliage of this plant medicinally to treat infection, coughs, and indigestion; because of its softness and fragrance, pioneer women would stuff pillows with dried bunches of fringed sage. When burned on a campfire, the dried leaves repel unwanted insects such as mosquitoes. However, its appearance alone makes this plant valuable; its silvery beauty won it the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
Sage: Blue (Salvia farinacea)
$1.00 - $5.60
Sage Blue Salvia Farinacea grows as a sub-shrub perennial in warmer climates and as an annual where winter temperatures stay below freezing for more than a few hours at a time. Also commonly called Mealy Cup Sage, Salvia Farinacea features silver-green foliage with long, toothed leaves and produces multiple spikes of showy, about an inch long, bright blue flowers that are arranged in loose whorls along the upright stems. Mealy Cup Sage blooms over a long season starting in spring. The showy, fragrant Blue Sage flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Thyme: Common (Thymus vulgaris)
$1.00 - $5.60
Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, thyme has a well established reputation for providing healing and protection; it also symbolizes courage, bravery, and strength. For centuries, soldiers would wear or carry sprigs of thyme with them to battle with the belief that the herb would protect them from danger. For culinary use, it is most often paired with lamb, poultry, or lemon; thyme makes one of the finest flavors of honey, and the plant attracts many bees. Medieval herbalists treated poisonous stings or bites with this herb, or burned it to purify the air. During the time of the Black Death, thyme became a major ingredient in many treatments for the disease. Whether or not it actually performed a cure, recent research confirms that thyme contains a very powerful antiseptic that may have medical benefits; records show several instances of thyme syrup completely curing whooping cough within a week. Though culinary use is fine, pregnant women should not take medicinal doses of thyme.
Thyme: Creeping (Thymus serpyllum)
$1.00 - $5.60
This plant is widely known as an herb. Thyme is the source of the oil Serpolet, which is used in herbal medicine. The plant is also often used as a food seasoning and the dried leaves may be used to make tea! This low growing plant with creeping, woody foliage bears small, lavender colored flower during the months of June and July. The hardy plant tolerates some pedestrian traffic and produces odors ranging from heavily herbal to lightly lemon, depending on the plant!