Sorrel has been in existence for centuries. It is a perennial herbaceous plant which can grow up to a height of 60cm. Its lithe stems look, and are, quite succulent. The leaves are elongated, shaped like arrows, appearing at the base with a long petiole. The leaves at the base are 7-15cm long while the upper leaves are sessile and are mostly deep red in colour. The flower is of reddish-green colour and contains coiled spikes. It blossoms primarily in June and July. As the flower matures and becomes larger it turns into a purplish shade. The plant is a dioecious one where the male and female reproductive organs are found on different plants.

This popular herb is found to exist in the meadows of Europe being grown as a leafy vegetable. In the Caribbean, sorrel is well known as ‘Jamaican Red Sorrel’ or ‘Roselle’.

The sorrel is a plant with various uses. It is made into a beverage with a sweet and spicy flavour and is also used to make tarts and jellies. The leaves, whose flavour resembles that of kiwifruit or wild strawberries, are widely consumed as salads. It helps satisfy thirst and also helps improve appetite. The oxalic acid content of the plant is effective in curing rheumatism.