There are certain non-native plants (aka “escaped exotics”/weeds) that I’m rather fond of despite their purported invasiveness. Among them, pink sorrel (Oxalis debilis) stands out, literally as well ... Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Polygonaceae.

Understanding the Context

It is also called common sorrel, garden sorrel, spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock ("dock" often used for the genus). Sorrel, which refers to both a leafy green plant and its fruit, is known for its tart taste and powerful health benefits. Here are some notable sorrel benefits, downsides, and recipe ideas. Sorrel, botanically known as Rumex acetosa, is one of those plants that sits gracefully between food and herb.

Key Insights

Its sharp, lemony taste makes it memorable in soups, sauces, salads, and spring dishes, while its long traditional use has also given it a place in folk medicine. Sorrel is a fresh herb offering lemony flavors, perfect for adding zest to springtime dishes. You can use sorrel both raw in salads or cooked in soups and fish dishes for a citrusy touch. How to Eat Sorrel, a Citrusy Spring Herb Used Like Leafy Greens Sorrel is the name for a variety of leafy greens that are often available at farmers' markets, especially in the spring or summer. It can be used in salads, stir-fries, marinades, soups, and casseroles.

Final Thoughts

Sorrel is a perennial, edible herb from the same family as buckwheat and rhubarb. It’s often cultivated as a garden herb or leaf vegetable, but some varieties also grow wild.