The many types of Wild Sorrel including the more commonly known (and foraged) Common Sorrel, Sheep’s Sorrel and Wood Sorrel. The green edible leaves and stalks are delicious and these distinctive perennial herbs have a lemony or sharp apple taste.
Can I eat wild sorrel?
Leaves, flowers, and seed pods (which resemble miniature okra fruits) are all edible. Wood sorrel will begin to wilt almost immediately after harvesting, so it’s best eaten on the spot. Its tangy, somewhat sour flavor—reminiscent of citrus—makes it an excellent garnish in just about any salad.
Where is sorrel found?
Sorrel grows in grassland habitats all over Europe and in parts of Central Asia, though its history goes back as far as 1700 with mentions of the sour herb in Jamaican literature. The plant grows in three varieties: French, red-veined, and broad leaf, all of which have relatively different appearances.
Is common sorrel poisonous?
Known Hazards. This plant contains Oxalic acid, similar to rhubarb, giving it its’ sour taste, if you ingest too much of this acid you can upset your stomach. Saying that, you would have to eat a serious amount of common sorrel to get to this point.
Where is sorrel originally from?
West Africa
Like many popular plants grown in the Caribbean region, sorrel has its origins in West Africa. Known as Roselle, or less by its scientific name ‘Hibiscus sabdariffa’, sorrel is a species of the Hibiscus family.
What types of sorrel are edible?
Sorrel Plant Types
The two most popular varieties of sorrel for veggie gardeners are English (garden) sorrel (Rumex acetosa) and French sorrel (Rumex scutatus). Both have a citrusy taste that makes them excellent for cooking.
Is red sorrel poisonous?
The weed is edible, and some people grow it as a green or an herb. The tart flavor is often compared to lemons or sour apples. While the plant is safe for humans, it is toxic to livestock. Red sorrel is an indicator weed and is tolerant of acidic, nutrient deficient soils.
Is Hibiscus and sorrel the same?
West Indians call hibiscus sorrel or sorrel, Africans call the plant Roselle, and it’s known as hibiscus in other locales. It’s the exact same plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa, an edible species of hibiscus. Agua de Jamaica literally translates into the term Jamaica water.
Is garden sorrel invasive?
Be warned: This is an aggressive perennial, considered invasive by some gardeners who see it as a weed, albeit an edible one. It starts easily from seed, and once established it can spread rapidly under certain conditions. Garden sorrel likes a damp site, while French sorrel prefers drier soil.
Is sorrel toxic to dogs?
Sorrel poisoning in dogs is a result of dogs ingesting all or part of the sorrel plant, which contains soluble calcium oxalates. These compounds are toxic to dogs.
Are all sorrel edible?
In fact, every part o this flower, including the leaves, flowers, and seed pods, are edible. Sorrel is a common addition to salads, soups, and sauces and can be used to make tea.
What is the benefit of sorrel?
Sorrel is especially high in vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin that fights inflammation and plays a key role in immune function ( 3Trusted Source Trusted Source ). It’s also high in fiber, which can promote regularity, increase feelings of fullness, and help stabilize blood sugar levels ( 4 ).
What is sorrel called in USA?
Other names for sorrel include spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock (‘dock’ is a common name for the genus Rumex).
Who brought sorrel to Jamaica?
The agency indicates that sorrel was introduced from West Africa to Jamaica by the British in the 17th century. The plant belongs to the hibiscus family and is grown by farmers across the island.
Is sorrel and Jamaica the same?
Note that the “sorrel” here is a Caribbean name for hibiscus flowers, also called jamaica in Spanish. When shopping, make sure you are getting that rather than the green herb called sorrel that tastes tartly of lemon.
What does Common Sorrel look like?
Description: Common Sorrel is a perennial with arrow-shaped leaves that grow from the stem at the base of the plant. Plant grows as a rosette with reddish flowers are carried on slender spikes. Flowers are red-yellow in colour.
How do you eat wild sorrel?
Wood sorrel should be used fresh. Pick off the leaves, flowers, and immature seed pods to put in salads, avoiding older, tough stems. Eat it raw or cooked. Wood sorrel has a tart, lemon-like flavor and goes well with meat and fish.
Why is my sorrel bitter?
Oxalic acid is responsible for giving red veined sorrel a bitter lemon flavor and in large quantities can cause mineral deficiencies, specifically calcium. Oxalic acid is minimized when cooked. It is suggested that people with pre-existing conditions avoid ingesting.
Does sorrel lower blood pressure?
Sorrel is no slouch in the nutritional department either. It’s full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also has key B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid, and can lower blood pressure.
Will cows eat sorrel?
If consumed in large quantities by cattle and sheep, the oxalate content of common sorrel can cause calcium deficiency which gives symptoms similar to milk fever. Biology: Common sorrel flowers from May to August. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants.
Does sorrel give you diarrhea?
Wood sorrel is UNSAFE, especially when used when used in higher doses. Wood sorrel can cause diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, skin reactions, stomach and intestine irritation, eye damage, and kidney damage. Swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat can make speaking and breathing difficult.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.