Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Rumex acetosella (Acetosella vulgaris, sheep sorrel, red sorrel, sour weed, Sauerampfer) -  Baltic Sea coast in Germany

This perennial weed is native to Eurasia but have spread over the rest of the northern hemisphere. It favors moist soil, so it thrives in floodplains and near marshes. It is often one of the first species to take hold in disturbed areas, such as abandoned mining sites, especially if the soil is acidic.

There are several uses of sheep sorrel in the preparation of food including a garnish, a tart flavoring agent, a salad green, and a curdling agent for cheese. The leaves have a lemony, tangy and nicely tart flavor. Sheep sorrel taken as a cool drink may reduce a fever. As a tea it is good for diarrhea, a gargle for soar throats.

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