In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen

During the occasional times when I have no lettuce to harvest, there is always French sorrel. It is a reliable year-round producer here in coastal San Diego. The tangy lemon flavor is somewhat stronger in the summer. I think it’s best when nights are cool.

I’ve grown it in a 14 inch terra cotta container for almost ten years and it requires little care and is very forgiving. Previously, it grew in the ground but it does creep. The lifted clump of sorrel lived in a trash can lid for about six months while I decided where to relocate it. I lost count of the number of times I forgot to water it and it wilted completely. The clump also endured inundation from rain.

Here’s a link to search results on my blog for French Sorrel, including some recipes and growing tips. Bon Appetit has some great ideas if sorrel is new to you. From seed it can be ready to harvest in 60 days.

Here is French sorrel mixed with baby arugula that grows in a terra cotta pot next to the French sorrel. So sans lettuce for a salad, arugula and French sorrel stepped in.

I’m finding many ways to use the bountiful lime crop and I’m now scouting recipes for lime sorbet. My favorite use of the limes may be lime soda—so very refreshing during our recent stretch of 80-plus degree days.

It’s easy to make. I keep simple syrup in the fridge (equal parts sugar and water brought to a boil and simmered until sugar has dissolved). The lime/lemon squeezer makes quick work of extracting the juice. Sparkling water is always at hand with my Soda Stream. To a tall glass with ice fill three-fourths way with sparkling water. I prefer two tablespoons of simple syrup and 1.5 tablespoons of lime juice. Adjust as you like.

Stir and add a slice of lime. I’ve set out a clipped recipe for Sorrel-Lime Cooler which I’ll try on another of our expected warm days.

Fruit and flowers seem to end up together in my kitchen. The maidenhair fern and a lingering ‘Ambridge’ rose make a composition with a few of the limes.

Since my harvests are slim this week you may want to see my post from a few days ago In My Garden, Mid-October. You’ll see what ahead for my fall-winter garden.

You may enjoy seeing what other garden bloggers harvested last week at Harvest Monday hosted by Dave at Our Happy Acres.

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