Sorrel French
🌿 French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus)
French sorrel is a low-growing, perennial leafy herb valued for its pleasantly sharp, lemony flavour 🍋. Native to southern Europe and western Asia, it is well adapted to temperate climates and grows reliably in the UK. With its distinctive arrow-shaped leaves and spreading habit, French sorrel is a useful edible ground cover for herb gardens and vegetable beds alike.
🍽️ Culinary Uses
French sorrel is prized for its fresh, tangy taste and tender leaves:
Leaves:
Young leaves are best harvested for culinary use, offering a bright, citrus-like acidity. They can be eaten raw in salads 🥗, blended into sauces, or lightly cooked in soups and omelettes. Sorrel is a classic ingredient in French cuisine, particularly in sorrel soup and fish dishes 🐟.
Cooking Notes:
When cooked, sorrel loses its bright green colour and softens quickly, developing a more mellow, lemony flavour. It pairs well with eggs, cream, potatoes, and mild cheeses 🧀.
🌼 Medicinal Uses
Historically, sorrel has been used for its refreshing and digestive properties. Like other Rumex species, it contains vitamin C and organic acids that were traditionally valued for their cleansing and cooling effects 💚. Due to its oxalic acid content, sorrel should be consumed in moderation, particularly by individuals with kidney issues.
🌱 Growing Requirements
French sorrel is easy to grow and low-maintenance once established:
Location:
Prefers full sun to partial shade ☀️🌤️ and grows best in fertile, moisture-retentive but well-draining soil. A soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0 is ideal.
Planting:
Space plants 30–40 cm apart to allow for spreading growth.
Care:
Water regularly during dry periods to maintain tender leaf growth 💧. Remove flower stalks to prolong leaf production and prevent self-seeding ✂️.
Harvesting:
Leaves can be harvested from early spring through autumn. Regular picking encourages continuous growth 🌱.
Genus: Rumex scutatus
Aspect: Full sun / part shade ☀️🌤️
Type: Perennial leafy herb
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 20 – 30 cm
Spread: 40 – 60 cmI
