Sorrel in Seattle

[Lets_eat]

I'm trying to find sorrel in a larger bunch than the grocer's few measly sprigs in a plastic box for $3.99; I need it to make a European specialty from my childhood that I dearly miss. I heard a rumor that maybe I might find it at one of the many farmer's markets in the Seattle area. Anyone ever run across large bunches of sorrel at one of them?

[seattledebs]

Sosio's frequently has it. At the farmers' market, I believe Whistling Train at the U-District market carries sorrel. They're often over by the goat cheese guy (Port Madison).

[Lets_eat]

Okay, I'll give 'er another go. Last time, Sosio's told me they could 'special order' it, at a ridiculous price. Thanks for the UD market heads up, I'll try that one again too.

[Daniel]

Shelley Pasco Verdi from Whistling Train Farm had some this morning. I recognize that this isn't much help today since the UD farmers market is closed. But she used to do the West Seattle market, which is tomorrow.

[Lets_eat]

Yep, I just got home from there with a big bag of it. Turns out it was unavailable last time I went. Yahoo! Thank you Seattledebs & Daniel, chowhounders are the best!

[Daniel]

Sorrel is widely available at the local farmers markets but its season tends toward spring. I don't remember noticing any yesterday at the UD farmers market but then again, I wasn't looking for it.

You could also check with Sosio's in Pike Place Market. They have a large selection of fresh herbs in back. They don't display them so you have to ask.

Good luck!

[Lets_eat]

Yes, I talked to every produce vendor in the Market, including the extra summer ones on Fridays & Saturday, and I've checked out the UD & Ballard markets so far. According to the vendors I talked to as well as web research, sorrel starts in spring but will grow throughout the summer. If anyone spots any at their local farmers' market, please let me know!

[elainelena]

For a soup I make that is of Russian origin, it takes sorrel but I substitute spinach. I also had, in years past, bought sorrel seeds in a gardening store in Pike Place, for one of my Ukrainian friends, who grew it in her garden.

[Lets_eat]

Mine is a creamed Hungarian dish; I've tried it with spinach but it just doesn't have that nice tang. I've heard it grows wild but I'm no botanist - guess I'll just have to keep on looking, I'm hitting a different farmers' market every weekend.

[howard 1st]

though spinach is the most common subsitute for sorrel, lets eat has it right that a certain sour tang is missing. i have use arugula (sometimes called roquette) as a substutute with great success and it is much more generally avialable.