Petrichor Magic

Info about Sorrel Wiki

Even though my little garden is only the size of a picnic area, it continues to bless us with generous gifts from nature.

Just a few days ago, I harvested about 33 lbs of vibrant sorrel from just two garden beds! We use it to cook one of our family’s favorite dishes — West Slavic green borscht. This tangy soup with eggs and potatoes brings the taste of summer to our table, even on chilly days.

Sorrel — The Humble Hero of the Garden
Sorrel is a perennial green herb with a distinct tangy taste, familiar to many since childhood. Its leaves are elongated with small “ear-like” lobes at the base, and they’re the part most commonly used in cooking — in soups, pies, salads, and sauces.
Health Benefits
Sorrel is rich in vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. It helps boost the immune system, supports digestion, and has a mild detoxifying effect. The oxalic acid it contains gives dishes a refreshing sourness — especially appreciated in spring, when our bodies crave vitamins.
Where It Grows
Sorrel is low-maintenance and grows almost everywhere — in gardens, backyards, and sometimes even in the wild. It thrives in cooler climates, which is why it’s widely cultivated across Eastern and Central Europe, as well as in North America.
A Bit of History
People have eaten sorrel since ancient times. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a kind of “natural vinegar” before lemons and other acids became common. Among Slavic peoples, sorrel found a special place in traditional cuisine — especially in the form of green borscht, a beloved spring and summer soup.
Sorrel may be simple, but it’s a truly valuable ingredient — proving that even the most modest greens can be a real treasure in the kitchen.

I also trimmed and chopped green onions, freezing around 2.2 lbs to use later in soups, sauces, or even just with fried potatoes.

Lastly, I cut some fresh oregano and set it out to dry. I love using it as a seasoning for meat and homemade pizza — the smell is absolutely magical!

Spending time in this tiny, living patch of earth always reminds me: even the smallest garden can bring great joy and plenty of goodness.