Gardening SIG: Sorrel

Sorrel, or Rumex acetosa, comes to us from wild meadows of various continents. It’s been known for over 3,000 years, and was used by Egyptians and Romans for salads and greens. Even in America, settlers in Salem had sorrel in their gardens. Sorrel also had medical uses for some of these cultures.

Sorrel is a hardy perennial which likes rich, moist but well drained soil in full sunshine. It has long leaves and can grow 3’ or higher, though normally it grows around 12”. It has tiny greenish flowers in early mid-summer. It is in many ways similar to spinach.

Sorrel can be used in green salads or in combinations with other greens. It can go into soups or with rich/fatty meat dishes. It can also be used in omelettes as a substitute for spinach. Sorrel is also known by other names - Cuckoo Sorrow, Sour Sabs, Sour Suds and Green Sauce.

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