Everyone needs to eat this plant at least once! Have you?

Summary

This video explores the wild edible plant wood sorrel, also known as nature's Skittles, highlighting its delicious sour flavor and numerous uses. The host debunks myths about its supposed dangers, specifically regarding oxalic acid content, by comparing it to common foods like spinach. Wood sorrel is easy to identify and grows widely, even in backyards. The video also features creative ways to use the plant, from raw consumption to making refreshing beverages, and provides tips on distinguishing it from similar plants, including some toxic look-alikes. The overall message encourages viewers to try this amazing, often-overlooked plant.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nature Skittles are wild wood sorrel plants, which offer a sour flavor without the artificial ingredients found in store-bought Skittles.
• 😀 Wood sorrel is commonly found worldwide and can even grow in your own yard. It is also known as sour grass and is a highly versatile edible plant.
• 😀 The plant is part of the Oxalis genus, distinct from true sorrels, and has a sour flavor due to its content of oxalic acid.
• 😀 Despite warnings about oxalic acid in wood sorrel, the plant's oxalic acid content is lower than that of spinach, making it safe for most people to consume in reasonable amounts.
• 😀 While oxalic acid is often vilified, it is present in many common foods, including spinach, parsley, and rhubarb, and is not inherently dangerous for most individuals.
• 😀 A 2024 study shows that wood sorrel has 22.42 mg of oxalic acid per gram, while spinach contains 11.2 mg per gram, making wood sorrel's oxalate content about twice that of spinach.
• 😀 People are unlikely to consume enough wood sorrel to ingest a harmful amount of oxalates, as gathering enough for a single serving is challenging.
• 😀 Registered dietitian Shyla Kedogan emphasizes that oxalates are not dangerous for most people and can be managed by consuming enough calcium and magnesium.
• 😀 Wood sorrel can be consumed in various forms, including raw, in smoothies, as a garnish for salads, or as a refreshing sour tea after blending or infusing it.
• 😀 While wood sorrel is easy to identify, it's important to be aware of look-alike plants, such as clover, and toxic species that may appear similar but have distinct differences in flowers and leaves.

Q & A

What are nature Skittles, and why are they referred to as such?

Nature Skittles are wild plants known as wood sorrel, which have a tangy, sour flavor. They are referred to as 'nature Skittles' because of their sweet and sour taste, reminiscent of the candy Skittles, but without the artificial ingredients.

How can wood sorrel be identified?

Wood sorrel can be identified by its trifoliate compound leaves, usually with three leaflets, each having a deep notch at the top, creating a heart-shaped appearance. The flowers are typically yellow or pinkish and have five petals.

What is oxalic acid, and why is it a concern in wood sorrel?

Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring chemical in many plants, including wood sorrel. Some people are concerned about it because it can form compounds with calcium, potentially contributing to kidney stone formation. However, oxalic acid is also found in foods like spinach, and its consumption in moderate amounts is generally not harmful for most people.

How does the oxalic acid content in wood sorrel compare to spinach?

Wood sorrel contains 22.42 mg of oxalic acid per gram, which is about twice the amount found in spinach, which contains 11.2 mg per gram. However, the total amount consumed from wood sorrel is much smaller, and it's unlikely to consume enough to cause harm.

Is it dangerous to consume wood sorrel in large quantities?

Consuming wood sorrel in large quantities may raise concerns about oxalic acid intake, but it's important to note that it would be difficult to consume enough to match the oxalic acid found in foods like spinach. For most people, eating wood sorrel in reasonable amounts is not dangerous, though people with a history of kidney stones should be cautious.

What are some unique ways to use wood sorrel?

Wood sorrel can be eaten raw, added to salads, or used as a garnish. It can also be made into beverages such as sour teas or blended drinks, offering a refreshing sour flavor. Dehydrating the leaves allows for a long-lasting, sour addition to drinks or food.

What are the health concerns surrounding oxalates in food?

Oxalates, like those found in spinach and wood sorrel, can bind with minerals like calcium in the body, potentially leading to kidney stones in sensitive individuals. However, most people do not experience adverse effects, and consuming sufficient calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 can help mitigate potential problems.

How do oxalates impact kidney stone formation?

Oxalates can bind with calcium to form calcium oxalate, which may contribute to kidney stone formation. However, this is mainly a concern for individuals predisposed to kidney stones, and there is no direct evidence that oxalate-rich foods like spinach or wood sorrel cause kidney stones in the general population.

What are the look-alikes to wood sorrel, and how can they be distinguished?

One common look-alike is clover, which also has trifoliate leaves. However, clover leaves lack the deep notch at the top that characterizes wood sorrel's heart-shaped leaves. Additionally, clover flowers differ significantly from those of wood sorrel. Another toxic look-alike has shiny flowers, which can be distinguished from wood sorrel.

What are some other uses for clover, another plant that looks like wood sorrel?

Clover has several uses, such as being edible and used in teas or as a supplement. It is also commonly used in traditional herbal medicine for various health benefits, such as supporting heart health, but it should be distinguished from wood sorrel to avoid confusion.