Buckler Leaf Sorrel (Rumex scutatus)
Flowers: June to July. Height: Up to 60cm (24in).
It was so named because the leaves look like a medieval buckler shield (a small shield used for hand to hand combat). Sorrel was prized by monks and was simply known as alleluyia because it was one of the first green herbs of the new growing season to appear. The name dates back to Norman times and is from the old French for sour.
Medicinal: Incredibly high in vitamin C, it was chewed to cure scurvy and soothe fevers. Made into a paste with linseed, it was applied as a poultice for boils, a common 14th century problem. As a purgative it would help expel poisons from the stomach.
Culinary: The natural acidity in the young leaves gives it a distinct lemon flavour. It was used like spinach and was added to ‘pottage’ (a thick stew), salads and soft cheese and used to complement egg and fish dishes.
