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 flavor, it combines well with many dishes with aromatic plants and salads.

Se 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.

Sorrel medicinal properties

At a time when foods containing vitamin C were hard to find, people ate sorrel to avoid deficiency. 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.

In addition to vitamin C, it also It has vitamins B1, B2, B6 and vitamin E.

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

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

How sorrel is used

The 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 once again enjoying growing popularity.

1. Sorrel in the kitchen:

The most famous recipe made with this plant is the sorrel soup.Thanks to your sour and fresh taste, This widespread wild plant can also be used very well in summer salads and other fresh dishes. you can steam the leaves, in a similar way as you do with spinach and use it as a garnish.The sour note of sorrel It combines 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. The old leaves that are already hanging are difficult to digest and can cause stomach problems.

Tips for Planting Sorrel

The sorrel is a robust and simple plant. Can sow your 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 soil

sorrel does best in sunny places to partially shaded.The more sun it receives, the larger the leaves become. If planting 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. Combines well with nettles, dandelions or borage.Nutrient-rich, moist soil it is ideal for it to prosper.

2. Plant sorrel

You must sow the sorrel between March and April.Aerate the soil well, then spread the small seeds at a distance of 20 to 30 centimeters.It is only necesary slightly push the seeds into the soil, do not bury them completely, since they need light to germinate. If you want grow your plant on the balcony, sow some seeds in a large enough pot.Also pre-cultivation in seedbeds possible to later plant them in the garden or orchard

3. Maintain and cut sorrel

The most important thing for your sorrel is keep their roots continuously moist. Therefore, it is best to place potted plants in a saucer from which the plant can draw water.Cutting the leaves will encourage lush growth and will strengthen the plant. Always Harvest the leaves to leave the buds domestic youngsters.sorrel can easily support a crop 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.