Find Out How To Use And Plant Sorrel (medicinal Plant And Food)

Sorrel ( Rumex acetosa ) is one of the most widespread wild plants. With its sour and fresh taste, it goes well with numerous dishes with aromatic plants and salads.

It can be planted well in the garden or on the balcony and used as a fresh culinary plant. In addition, in spring it is easy to find its bright green leaves in the field, which are full of vitamin C and iron.

Medicinal properties of sorrel

At a time when foods containing vitamin C were hard to find, people ate sorrel to avoid the deficit. For the same reason it has been a medicinal plant to cure scurvy, caused by severe deficiency of this vitamin.

Sorrel contains 50 to 100 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams, so the vitamin C content is significantly higher than that of other culinary plants.

Besides vitamin C, it also has vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Sorrel provides bitter substances and tannins with positive effects on digestion. It fights diarrhea and has antibacterial and antiviral properties.

It is not recommended that people with kidney failure or with a tendency to form kidney stones consume sorrel in large quantities because its leaves are rich in oxalic acid, which can promote the formation of stones in the long term.

How dock is used

Sorrel was already used and valued as an edible and medicinal plant in ancient times. Later it ended up falling into oblivion, but today it is enjoying growing popularity again.

1. Sorrel in the kitchen:

• The most famous recipe made with this plant is sorrel soup.
• Thanks to its sour and fresh taste, this widespread wild plant can also be used very well in summer salads and other fresh dishes.
• You can also steam the leaves, similar to how you do spinach, and use it as a garnish.
• The sour note of sorrel pairs well with other aromatic plants to make fresh butters and cheeses with fresh herbs. To do this, cut the leaves into very small pieces.
• You should always use tender and fresh leaves. Old leaves that are already hanging are difficult to digest and can lead to stomach problems.

Tips for planting sorrel

Sorrel is a robust and simple plant. You can sow their seeds directly in the garden or grow them in pots on the balcony. With proper care and placement, you can enjoy this perennial for a long time.

1. Location and land

• Sorrel does best in sunny to partially shady locations.
• The more sun it gets, the bigger the leaves become. If you plant it in a pot, a partially shaded location is usually best.
• When there is more sunlight, the leaves develop less oxalic acid, which is responsible for the characteristic sour taste.
• In the aromatic garden, the ideal is to combine sorrel with other plants. It pairs well with nettles, dandelion or borage.
• A moist, nutrient-rich soil is ideal for it to thrive.

2. Sow sorrel

• You should sow sorrel between March and April.
• Aerate the soil well, then spread the small seeds 8 to 12 inches apart.
• It is only necessary to lightly push the seeds into the ground, not to bury them completely, as they need light to germinate.
• If you want to grow your plant on the balcony, plant some seeds in a large enough pot.
• It is also possible to pre-grow them in seedbeds and then plant them in the garden or orchard.

3. Maintain and cut sorrel

• The most important thing for your sorrel is to keep its roots continually moist. Therefore, it is best to place the potted plants in a saucer from which the plant can draw water.
• Cutting the leaves will encourage lush growth and strengthen the plant.
• Always harvest the leaves so that the inner young shoots remain.
• Sorrel can easily support a harvest three or four times a year.
• This plant does not necessarily have to be fertilized if it is planted in nutrient-rich soils. However, a little homemade compost promotes growth.