Sorrel

Sorrel (genus Rumex) is a perennial herb that originated in Asia and became naturalized throughout Europe and North America. Closely related to rhubarb, sorrel shares with rhubarb a bright astringency, which comes from a high oxalic acid content (binoxalate of potash). Unlike rhubarb, which is harvested for its stalks but has leaves that are considered poisonous, sorrel is most treasured for its pointed green leaves. Consumed throughout the ancient world, particularly in Egypt, for its tonifying and culinary properties, in modern times sorrel is perhaps most revered by the French.