Description

Garden Sorrel is a hardy, deep-rooted plant that grows in thick, mounded clusters. It blooms tall whorled spikes of small, reddish-green flowers when mature. The multi-stemmed plant produces large, soft, light-green leaves that grow from a center rosette and can reach several inches long, although they are often harvested young when tender and less bitter. The broad leaves look like a cross between Arugula and spinach with their elongated arrow shape, and they offer a bright, tart, grassy, lemon-like flavor. Garden Sorrel may be used raw or cooked, serving alternately as a salad green or fresh herb.

Garden Sorrel is an excellent source of vitamins A and C and is also rich in potassium. It is also a good source of nutrients like manganese and iron. Garden Sorrel gets its tangy flavor from oxalic acid, which is a naturally-occurring compound that is considered toxic when consumed in large quantities so moderation is key to avoid even minor side effects like stomach pain or abdominal cramps. While it is not recommended for persons with kidney disease, arthritis, gout, or who are pregnant, it’s highly unlikely that the average person would consume enough to be considered truly dangerous. Just as it is for humans, the oxalic acid content is also potentially harmful to animals if overly consumed, but luckily, the inherently sour flavor serves as a natural deterrent for most pets.