Sorrel French Plant

French sorrel herbs are members of the Buckwheat family. Most gardeners grow French sorrel to use fresh in a variety of recipes. It is used in a similar manner to spinach but has a highly acidic taste that can overwhelm other flavors. It is also high in oxalic acid and, therefore, used sparingly by those that are bothered by the compound.

The part of the plant used in cooking are the long, lance-shaped leaves. They are bright green and 6 to 12 inches (15-31 cm.) long. The French sorrel herb produces a rosette of the shiny leaves which radiate out from the center. Young leaves are slightly wrinkled and will have less acidity and bitterness than larger, older leaves.