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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
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The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
Description/Taste
Garden sorrel grows in thick mounded clusters and can range from 30 to 150 centimeters tall. The multi-stemmed plant is erect and bushy and blooms small reddish-green flowers in the summer. It produces large dark green leaves that have an elongated arrow-shape. They have a distinct sour note and sharp lemony tang due to their oxalic acid content. This trait has earned it the name "sour grass".
Seasons/Availability
Sorrel is available year-round.
Current Facts
Garden sorrel, sometimes referred to as Broadleaf sorrel, is a perennial herb botanically classified as Rumex acetosa. It belongs to the buckwheat family and is often confused with French sorrel, but is in fact a separate species. Both produce green spinach-like leaves that can be prepared in similar manners, but Garden sorrel is a larger plant with stronger flavors.
Nutritional Value
Sorrel is an excellent source of potassium and vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K.
Applications
Sorrel may be used raw as salad green or a fresh herb, or sautéed similarly to spinach. The young leaves are tender and mild, best for fresh eating, while larger leaves become sharp and bitter, best for cooked applications. Sorrel makes an excellent puree, for sauces or soup. Complimentary flavors include, hard aged cheeses, cream, eggs, fish, caviar, oysters, lentils, potatoes, spinach, onion, shallot, mustard, parsley, tarragon, mint, chervil and nutmeg. It is recommended to only use a stainless steel knife when cutting sorrel, and to refrain from cooking in metal pots all together as its high acid content discolors and erodes metal cookware.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Garden sorrel is an ingredient on Essiac tea, an anti-cancer treatment originally formulated by the Ojibwa Indians and still taken today. It inhibits cancer cell growth by eliminating free radicals in the body as well as offering antibacterial properties which kill E. coli and other harmful germs.
Geography/History
Garden sorrel is native to Europe and Asia and was grown as a popular herb and vegetable throughout history. Many European gardens contained the plant until the more mild French sorrel was developed in the Middle Ages. Today it can be found in most temperate climates throughout the world, and thrives in moist, damp soils. It is easily propagated by dividing its large deep-reaching root system, and should be regularly clipped back to encourage new tender growth.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| The Tavern | Coronado CA | 602-628-5890 |
| Crab Hut | San Diego CA | 858-860-5225 |
| Third Corner Encinitas | Encinitas CA | 619-417-9251 |
| Puesto-Mission Valley | San Diego CA | 619-804-4217 |
| Stake Chophouse & Bar | Coronado CA | 619-522-0077 |
| Lauberge Del Mar | Del Mar CA | 858-259-1515 |
| Miho (Delivery) | San Diego CA | 619-867-4295 |
| Third Corner Ocean Beach | San Diego CA | 619-223-2700 |
| Avant | San Diego CA | 858-675-8505 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Garden Sorrel. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
