Definition

Noun: * A perennial plant: "Sour dock" is a common name for a species of herbaceous plant, specifically Rumex acetosa, also widely known as garden sorrel or common sorrel. It is characterized by its large, arrow-shaped (sagittate) leaves which have a distinct, pleasantly acidic or tart flavor.

Usage

• The term "sour dock" is used to identify the plant itself, particularly in foraging, gardening, or culinary contexts. It refers to the entire plant, but most commonly its edible leaves.
  • We gathered some sour dock from the field to add to the salad.
  • You can identify sour dock by its sour-tasting, arrow-shaped leaves.

Advanced Usage

• As a culinary ingredient: The leaves of sour dock are used as a potherb or in salads, valued for their acidic taste which can act like a natural vinegar.
  • The chef uses sour dock to give a lemony tang to the soup without using citrus.

Variants and Related Words

• Common Sorrel (n): The most frequent alternative name for the same plant ().
• Garden Sorrel (n): Another common name, especially when cultivated.
• Sorrel (n): A broader term that can refer to several related plants in the and genera with a sour taste.
• Dock (n): A general term for plants in the genus, which includes both edible sorrels and broader-leaved docks.

Synonyms

• Common sorrel
• Garden sorrel

Notes on Different Meanings

• The name "sour dock" is specific and primarily refers to the edible . It should not be confused with other, non-edible "dock" plants which may have broader leaves and a more bitter taste. The key distinguishing feature is the combination of the sour flavor and the sagittate leaf shape.

Noun

1. European sorrel with large slightly acidic sagittate leaves grown throughout north temperate zone for salad and spring greens