DE BELLEVILLE SORREL SEEDS

Rumex acetosa

ORGANIC

De Belleville is the best strain of the most common species of garden sorrel. It is the oldest of the cultivated varieties, selected in France around 1730. Mature plants have recognizeable strap-like leaves that emerge in very early spring, like a lemony herald that begs to be made into a sauce and a soup and chopped up in hungry gap potatoes and pureed into a Sprite-like natural soda that really is fantastic.

This species of sorrel is ubiquitous because its so easy to grow: sow seeds onto moist soil, barely covering with additional soil, mist; kept moist at 65F in bright light seeds should germinate in a week. Prick out seedlings to grow on in individual containers. Seedlings can be planted outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked, or anytime, really.

Sorrel plants are extremely hardy and long lived and almost impossible to remove once established. Keep leaves harvested, even if you'll only compost them, to maintain quality. Cut seed stalks promptly. Plants will spread to form a large clump, and one plant will typically produce more than a family ever needs.

Sorrel contains oxalic acid, and this species in particular should be used sparingly by sensitive individuals. There is some evidence to suggest that eating foods high in oxalic acid with foods that are high in calcium can significantly negate the effects of oxalic acid. Research is recommended for lovers of sorrel, rhubarb and spinach.

Packet contains at least 30 seeds.