What is sorrel and how do I cook with it?
Method 3 of 4: Making Sorrel Soup
- Bring vegetable stock to a boil. Pour your vegetable stock into a deep pot and turn the stovetop to high.
- Brown the onions with olive oil in another pan. Pour a teaspoon of oil in another pan and turn your stovetop to high until it starts to smoke slightly.
- Add the sorrel and onions to the stock. ...
- Whisk the egg yolks and cream in a separate bowl. ...
What is sorrel and how do I use it?
What is sorrel drink made of?
- Bring water to a boil.
- Place sorrel, ginger and cloves into boiled water.
- Boil for 2 minutes, turn heat off.
- Cover and allow to steep for 12 to 24 hours.
- Strain and sweeten to taste.
- Add rum or wine if desired.
- Serve cold, on ice.
What does sorrel smell like?
Sorrel is fruity like rhubarb. It is tart like lemon. It is herbal like basil. Click to see full answer. Moreover, what is the flavor of sorrel? Sorrel is a very tangy, acidic herb. Its sour taste comes from oxalic acid, which also gives rhubarb its tartness. This fresh, lemony sourness has been highly prized in cuisines all over the world.
How to plant, grow, and harvest sorrel?
- Sorrel needs well-draining soil. Dig a hole and fill it with water to see how well the soil drains. ...
- You can get a soil pH testing kit at any local nursery. It's a good tool to have on hand for any vegetable gardener.
- If you wish, grow sorrel in a pot filled with fertile potting soil. Make sure it's at least 6 inches (15.2 cm) deep.
How much sorrel is safe per day?
Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts, since it might increase the risk of developing kidney stones. There is also a report of death after consuming a large amount (500 grams) of sorrel.
Is sorrel good for your blood?
It's full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also has key B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid, and can lower blood pressure. Sorrel is a known anti-inflammatory: The ascorbic acid and other compounds in sorrel make it a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drink.
What happens if you drink too much sorrel?
In larger doses, sorrel can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and digestive organs. Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken in large amounts, since it might increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
Is sorrel good for hair growth?
STIMULATES HAIR REGROWTH – Hair care lotion drops for hair loss treatment by Sorrel Cosmetics contain ginger which is well known for its benefits for hair growth as it can increase the scalp circulation, resulting in the flow of blood to the scalp. Thus, it may stimulate the hair follicles and encourage growth.
Is sorrel a detox?
Detoxify Your Body Sorrel contains flavonoids and other antioxidants that make it a good diuretic and purgative. This helps in flushing out harmful toxins from the body. Sorrel leaves contain protocatechuic acid that aids in body detox. Sorrel tea and sorrel-infused water are often used for detoxification of the body.
What vitamins does sorrel have?
Sorrel is a highly nutritious, low-fat source of carbs and protein, high in fiber and several nutrients. Sorrel contains a large amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron. It also provides potassium, manganese, and B vitamins.
Is sorrel drink acidic or alkaline?
Sorrel is alkaline when fresh. What is the pH level of sorrel? Sorrel has an 9.5 pH level when fresh, once digested. Raw, leafy green vegetables are extremely alkaline foods.
What is a sorrel drink?
Sorrel drink is a festive beverage in Jamaica that is consumed mainly during the Christmas time along with the Jamaican fruit cake. However, while this fascinating perennial herb is cultivated all over the world for a wide variety of purposes, in Jamaica, sorrel is primarily used as a beverage. But there are many health benefits associated ...
What is the purpose of sorrel leaves?
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, in some parts of Africa the red calyx of the sorrel is used to relieve coughs, while the leaves are made into a poultice to relieve boils and abscesses. Sorrel has been proven to reduce the risk ...
Does sorrel kill cancer cells?
Research at Jamaica’s Northern Caribbean University has revealed that sorrel could kill certain types of cancer cells. Again, this is due to the high levels of Flavonoids that work as a deterrent against certain kinds of cancer. Sorrel is used as a diuretic in India, Africa and Mexico and has benefits for kidney health when ingested daily.
Does sorrel help with heart disease?
Sorrel has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease by lower ing bad cholesterol and helping to prevent clogged arteries. As a plant with significant amounts of Vitamin A, sorrel can help to improve poor eyesight and prevent age-related ocular degeneration.
Is sorrel good for you?
Here are some remarkable and surprising ways drinking sorrel can have a positive effect on your health. According to the Scientific Research Council (SRC), sorrel contains a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals.
Weight loss
Studies have suggested that there is an acid in sorrel that helps with weight loss by dispersing more enzyme in the digestive system. Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down the excess starch and sugar (calories) molecules in the body that causes weight gain. This acid found in sorrel helps in the discharge of amylase into the digestive system.
Anti- cancer
Sorrel is found to have high doses of vitamin and minerals and a great antioxidant, which helps to prevent cancer and help in the cure of the disease. Anthocyanin properties are also found in sorrel, which are known to inhibit the development of cancer.
Anti – inflammatory
Studies have shown sorrel have powerful ant-inflammatory properties. Anti- inflammatory properties neutralizes the free radicals in our bodies that causes inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, stomach, and even cancer.
Lower blood pressure
Sorrel has antihypertensive properties that help to lower blood pressure. A research done at a university in Boston, found that by drinking a cup of sorrel tea daily, some individuals who were suffering from high blood pressure had a ten-point reduction in their blood pressure level after 30 days.
Lower stress level
According to research done at the University of London, the polyphenols in sorrel reduces cortisol levels, the stress hormones in our blood and dilates our blood vessels, improving your cardiac function.
Prevent heart disease
Sorrel helps to keep the heart healthy and prevents the development of cardiovascular disease. The powerful antioxidant properties in the sorrel reduce the low density lipoproteins (bad cholesterols) in the body, which develop into heart disease.
Prevent flu and cold
The sorrel is an ancient African remedy for cold and flu. According the some sorrel was Ethiopians long before it was Jamaicans and to this day sorrel tea is used to cure cold and flu in Ethiopia. Rich in vitamin C ( ascorbic acid ), consuming sorrel will helps boost the immune system and help prevent you getting a cold or flu.
Rich in antioxidants
Sorrel is a great source of antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that protect your cells from damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
May decrease cancer cell growth
Although research in humans is lacking, some test-tube and animal studies have found that sorrel may block the growth and spread of certain types of cancer cells.
Supports heart health
Animal research suggests that sorrel may improve several aspects of heart health.
9 Surprising Sorrel Benefits
The health benefits of sorrel may include its ability to improve eyesight, slow aging, reduce skin infections, strengthen the immune system, and improve digestion. It may also build strong bones, increase circulation, boost energy levels, lower blood pressure, increase appetite, and strengthen heart health.
What is Sorrel?
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) is a fascinating perennial herb that is used all around the world and is cultivated for a wide variety of uses. Although due to its sharp, tangy taste it is primarily grown for use in food, it also has a vast array of health benefits associated with it.
Sorrel Nutrition Facts
According to the USDA, one cup of raw sorrel (dock) contains 29 calories, 4.3 grams of carbohydrates, and 2.6 grams of protein. It also provides a significant amount of fiber (3.8g). In terms of vitamins and minerals, it is rich in vitamin C and also contains vitamin A, iron, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Health Benefits of Sorrel
Let’s look at the health benefits found in sorrel that make it such a wonderful addition to your diet.
How To Use Sorrel?
Due to its unique tart taste, sorrel is best enjoyed in a salad or as a herb in salad dressings. It can also be used in soups or stews. While the lemony taste of the leaves does become milder once cooked, it still packs as a punch as a side dish to fish or a roast chicken.
Disclaimer
The watching, interacting, and participation of any kind with anything on this page does not constitute or initiate a doctor-patient relationship with Dr. Farrah™. None of the statements here have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products of Dr. Farrah™ are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
What is the purpose of a sorrel?
Sorrel helps to keep the heart healthy and prevents the development of the cardiovascular disease. The powerful antioxidant properties in the sorrel reduce the bad cholesterols in the body that develop into heart disease. 7. Prevent flu and cold. The sorrel is an ancient African remedy for cold and flu.
What is Jamaican sorrel used for?
Health benefits of Jamaican sorrel. This bright red plant is used to make our most popular Christmas drink. Known for its great taste, it also has many health benefits.
What is the best medicine for colds?
The sorrel is an ancient African remedy for cold and flu. The high vitamin C in sorrel can help to boost the immune system and help prevent the cold or flu.
Does sorrel lower blood pressure?
Sorrel has antihypertensive properties that help to lower blood pressure. A research done at a university in Boston found that persons who drink a cup of sorrel daily saw a significant reduction in their blood pressure level in 30 days.
Does sorrel help you lose weight?
Weight loss. Studies have suggested that there is an acid in sorrel that helps with weight loss. This acid discharge more amylase (an enzyme that helps you digest food) into the digestive system, which breaks down excess starch and sugar (calories) molecules in the body.
Does sorrel help with eczema?
The anti-inflammatory properties found in sorrel helps to neutralise the free radical s in our bodies that cause inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, stomach, and even cancer. 4. Lower blood pressure. Sorrel has antihypertensive properties that help to lower blood pressure.
Is hibiscus a sorrel?
These are leafy green herbs that resemble spinach and used in salad and other cuisines. Some people also think that hibiscus is Jamaican sorrel. Although Jamaican sorrel is apart of the hibiscus family it should not be mistaken for hibiscus.
How to treat canker sores naturally?
Fresh sorrel leaves can actually be used as a natural remedy to soothe canker sores. Simply take a fresh leaf and hold it against your canker sore for about a minute. You can repeat as needed. This is such a quick, easy and natural way to relieve canker sores.
What do sorrel leaves taste like?
The leaves are the part of the plant typically eaten, and they look similar to spinach leaves . The raw leaves are described as having a flavor similar to lemon, kiwi or sour wild strawberries. There are several varieties of sorrel, including:
What is the Jamaican sorrel flower?
Although they share the same name, the Jamaican sorrel flower is used to make a fragrant sorrel drink that is often served during the holiday season. The wood sorrel is another unrelated plant with a similar name that has several distinct species, including redwood sorrel yellow wood sorrel.
What is a red sorrel?
Sheep’s sorrel ( Rumex acetosella ), also sometimes called red sorrel, is about as sour as the common kind but with smaller leaves. It’s typically foraged rather than cultivated and grows wild in the U.S. Red-veined sorrel ( Rumex sanguineus) is a variety with deep red veins running through its leaves.
What is the flavor of French sorrel?
It has a sharp flavor and somewhat large, arrow-shaped leaves. French sorrel or buckler-leaf sorrel ( Rumex scutatus) is also cultivated, but it has a milder flavor than common sorrel with smaller, more rounded leaves.
What is a broad leaf garden sorrel?
Broad-leaf/common/garden sorrel ( Rumex acetosa) is the type most readily available at markets and nurseries for planting. It’s a deep-rooted perennial that lasts for years and years if it finds a spot it likes. It has a sharp flavor and somewhat large, arrow-shaped leaves.
What is a sorrel herb?
Sorrel is the name for a variety of hardy perennial herbs belonging to the Polygonaceae, or buckwheat, family that are widely distributed in temperate regions around the world.
Why are cast iron pots verboten?
Cast iron skillets and pots are verboten because the oxalic acid in this green reacts with the metals to produce a metallic flavor in the sorrel that makes it inedible . When using aluminum, the acids in this food may allow potentially toxic quantities of aluminum ions to escape from the cookware. Advertisement.
How many calories are in a sorrel?
Sorrel, both garden and French varieties, offers a variety of nutritional boons. A 3.5 oz. serving of sorrel contains 42 calories and 0.7 g of fat, making this tender green a good choice for low-calorie, low-fat diets. The majority of the calories in sorrel derive from carbohydrates, with 6.5 g per portion. You also get 2.3 g of protein.
What to do with French sorrel leaves?
You can use both French sorrel and garden sorrel to add flavor to soup, salads and casseroles, although choose French sorrel for a milder lemon taste; garden sorrel has a more acidic aspect. Both varieties of sorrel pair well with egg dishes, depending on your palate. Leaves of this tender spring green are often used fresh; however, you can also cook them down -- this produces leaves similar to the consistency of cooked spinach. A classic culinary preparation of this vegetable combines fresh sorrel with chicken stock, heavy cream, butter, eggs and onions for cream of sorrel soup.
What does sorrel taste like?
She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English from Temple University. View Work. Sorrel, an herb sometimes used as a vegetable, imparts a sour, lemon taste suitable for culinary use. This is just one benefit, because sorrel provides high quantities of vitamins and minerals. Eating sorrel does present some dangers, too, ...
How much protein is in a sorrel?
You also get 2.3 g of protein. One serving is an excellent source of vitamin A, a nutrient good for eye health, and is 238 percent of the daily recommended intake. Eat sorrel to meet your daily vitamin C requirements as well; one serving provides 113 percent of the quantity you need each day.
Does garden sorrel help with cold sores?
Garden sorrel may provide therapy for cold sores. A study published in the January 2011 issue of the journal "Antiviral Research" notes that extracts from the leaves of sorrel contain oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. In laboratory testing, these compounds reduced the spread of the herpes simplex virus type-1, the variety that causes cold sores or fever blisters. Additional studies are needed to determine if these findings bear out in humans. Consult your doctor before eating sorrel for any medical reason.
Can you eat sorrel if you have kidney stones?
Sorrel contains high amounts of oxalic acid, the main component of kidney stones. You may need to avoid eating sorrel if you are prone to developing these stones; talk to your physician for a recommendation on this food. Additionally, it can also kick up stomach acid, which can worsen heartburn, and it also has a diuretic effect.
How much sorrel is in gentian root?
Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis): A specific combination product containing 36 mg of sorrel, 12 mg of gentian root, and 36 mg each of European elder flower, verbena, and cowslip flower has been taken three times daily for up to 14 days.
What is fluid retention?
Fluid retention. Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis). Swelling (inflammation) of the nasal cavity and sinuses (rhinosinusitis). Other conditions. More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of sorrel for these uses. Side Effects.
What is the purpose of the CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION?
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional ...
Is sorrel bad for kids?
Children: Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE in children when taken by mouth in large amounts. Sorrel contains oxalic acid. There is concern because a four-year-old child died after eating rhubarb leaves, which also contain oxalic acid. Kidney disease: Large amounts of sorrel might increase the risk of kidney stones.
Is sorrel safe for breast feeding?
Pregnancy and breast -feeding: Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts during pregnancy. Although unlikely, taking sorrel as part of a combination product (Sinupret) during pregnancy might increase the risk of birth defects.
Can sorrel cause kidney stones?
In larger doses, sorrel can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, and digestive organs. Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken in large amounts, since it might increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Pregnancy and breast -feeding: Sorrel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts during pregnancy.
Is sorrel safe to take?
When taken by mouth: Sorrel is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when consumed in food amounts. It is also POSSIBLY SAFE to take sorrel in medicinal amounts as part of certain combination products. These include a specific product that contains gentian root, European elder flower, verbena, and cowslip flower (Sinupret, SinuComp), ...
History
Use
- Year-round, sorrel blossoms are used to create an herbal tea that is dark red in color and has a tart and tangy taste that resembles that of cranberry or pomegranate. When the holidays come, however, sorrel tea is combined with spices, simple syrup, and Jamaican rum to create a seasonal punch. Depending on your personal preference of what youre looking to achieve, Jamaican sorre…
Toxicity
- The hibiscus flower, or sorrel, gets its sour or tangy taste from the element oxalic acid, which is similar to that of kiwis or strawberries. With that said, oxalic acid can actually be poisonous if its consumed in large amounts. However, if you only consume it in small amounts, it should be safe.
Properties
- Because it has a high hydrophilic capacity, referred to as its Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity, Jamaican sorrel acts as a powerful antioxidant for the blood. In fact, it has a higher ORAC rating than favorable juices such as orange juice, tomato juice, and vegetable juice. It compares to levels found in cranberry or pomegranate juice.
Health
- As well as being great for the digestive system, studies have also linked inadequate intake of fiber with serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
Prevention
- The antioxidant properties of Jamaican sorrel could also help prevent cancerous cells from spreading by fighting and eliminating free radicals. There is evidence that serious diseases like cancer are linked to free radical damage and that antioxidants like those found in sorrel can help prevent damage done to healthy cells and protect against the disease. By drinking sorrel drink re…
Contents
- Sorrel contains a number of important minerals including calcium which is great for your bones and teeth. One cup of sorrel actually contains over 120 mg of calcium.
Functions
- As well as helping keep your bones strong and healthy and reducing the risk of osteoporosis, calcium plays a number of other vital roles in the body. Its functions include helping to transmit messages from the brain to other parts of the body. A deficiency in calcium is linked to bone weakness, osteoporosis and irregular heartbeat.
Pharmacology
- Research has demonstrated that sorrel has a wide variety of powerful antioxidant compounds including flavonoids, polyphenols and anthocyanins. Antioxidants protect the body from the damage done to the cells by harmful free radicals.
Quotes
- It is important to detoxify our body every now and then to keep it functioning efficiently and to make sure that we stay as fit and as healthy as possible.
Research
- Studies have found that sorrel has excellent antimicrobial properties. One study found that it was effective against several bacterial strains including E.coli. (1) Studies done on rats have also found that sorrel may have neuroprotective properties and could be useful in treating conditions such as Alzheimers and Parkinsons disease. The researchers looked at the effects of phenolic c…
Results
- According to research, sorrel may improve the health of your liver. According to a study done on rats, sorrel extract conferred significant liver protective actions and improved liver function in rats that had been exposed to toxins. (2)
Variations
- Sorrel drink is a traditional holiday drink in many areas, but Jamaica made it most popular by spreading it to the rest of the world. In Jamaica, sorrel tea is mixed with traditional spices that taste like the holidays, such as cinnamon, ginger, and allspice. Its also typical to add Jamaican rum to the mixture for a spiked version of the drink. Other popularly added ingredients include si…
Diet
- The best thing is that you can use either dried or fresh sorrel, and its growing popularity means that you should be able to find it at many different types of food markets (not just the international ones). With that said, your local food market may have sorrel tea labeled as hibiscus tea.
Effects
- In the end, it seems that Jamaican sorrel is more misunderstood than anything. Contrary to popular belief, it seems that Jamaican sorrel is not actually the same as the popular hibiscus flower. Instead, its actually a member of the hibiscus family. This could make it difficult to ensure that youre purchasing authentic Jamaican sorrel since many manufacturers and retailers might …
Treatment
- If your doctor does approve, you may also consider consulting with a holistic healthcare practitioner. These professionals would be able to better advise you regarding dosages and methods of application or consumption that best fit the results you are looking to see.