Sorrel: The Miraculous Wild Herb – Cultivation Guide and Therapeutic Properties

Sorrel is a perennial plant that reaches about 1 meter in height. Its leaves are large and are used in salads or cooked, just like spinach leaves.
Due to its high quercetin content, it helps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It is an edible vegetable and is widely used in Greek cuisine, mainly in greens pies, and has a slightly bitter taste.

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Sorrel is a delicious leafy crop that can be grown in our garden in early spring and can provide nutritious ingredients for our table. It is a perennial and hygrophilous plant.
In the first year, it only forms leaves, and in the following year – stems and seeds. It thrives in rich black soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH.

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Cultivation of Sorrel

Sowing in March and April, on a flat surface, creates more favorable conditions for watering and retaining soil moisture. Seeds are sown in rows 40-45 cm apart, and the seeds are buried 1.5 – 2 cm deep in moist soil. Germination begins in about a week.
Water after each harvest. The first is usually 2 to 2.5 months after sowing. Cut several times (3-4 times per season).

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All types thrive in wet and irrigated soils, grow rapidly, and their cultivation is very easy because they have no special needs. Many of the above types are edible and in many places are consumed like spinach.

We stock up on sorrel seeds. The mature plants can also be divided in the fall or early spring and transplanted. Choose the right place in the garden. Sorrel likes sun or partial shade.
The soil should be light and of medium composition. We sow the seeds in the spring. It is important to thin the plants, leaving a distance of 30-40 cm between them to give the sorrel enough space for strong, vigorous, and fleshy growth.
To help the growth of the leaves, we add fertilizer to the soil. Water regularly so the leaves do not wilt or burn. The leaves should be harvested frequently as the plant risks becoming unproductive. Choose from the outside of the plant first. Store the leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Therapeutic Properties

Sorrel is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. It is often used for relief from various ailments such as digestive problems, inflammations, and joint pains. Additionally, it is believed that sorrel helps to strengthen the immune system and combat fatigue.
It is considered an herb with exceptional medicinal properties, especially for those suffering from hemorrhoids, anemia, dysentery, jaundice, or tuberculosis.

Recipes and Uses

Sorrel can be consumed in various forms – as a fresh salad, infusion, or even as an ingredient in cooking dishes. A simple sorrel infusion can be prepared by boiling its leaves for a few minutes. This infusion has a mild taste and can serve as a therapeutic beverage for everyday use.

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Sorrel is not just a wild herb, but a valuable ally in natural therapy and an excellent addition to any garden. With its easy cultivation and multiple therapeutic properties, sorrel deserves to be recognized as a true herbal medicine.