French Sorrel Market Overview:

French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus) is a buckwheat (Polygonaceae) plant known as a buckler or shield-leaf sorrel. The flavor of this culinary herb is slightly bitter or tangy, with a tinge of spice with a hint of lemon. It contains oxalic acid; hence its taste is a bit sharp. This plant grows up to 1m, almost 3.3 ft. in diameter, and its leaves grow to 10-12 centimeters. The appearance of these bright green leaves is quite similar to spinach, but it has a highly acidic taste. Sorrel begins to grow in the spring and doesn't need much care. However, the soil must be rich in nutrients and well-drained as well.

Primarily these leaves are used in soups, sauces, curries, salads, and beverages. It's harvested in Europe, Central Asia, and parts of North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

It has medicinal uses, promoting healthy digestion, decreasing inflammation, and treating mouth ulcers. Compared to common sorrel, French Sorrel is less bitter and grows taller with smaller & rounded leaves.  French sorrel is highly nutritious, and in addition to being low in calories, it's high in fiber and micronutrients like Magnesium and vitamins A and C.

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It is advised to utilize a stainless steel knife when cutting sorrel and to refrain from cooking it in metal pots as its high acid content stains and erodes metal cookware.

Properties:

Latin Name: Rumex scutatus

Plant Type: Herb

Flavor: Slightly bitter or tangy

Nutritional Values: Excellent source of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K., as well as magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium.

Detailed Market Segmentation:

The market segmentation of the global French sorrel market is based on its - application, form, distribution channel, and region.

Based On Application

• Restaurants & Cafes
• Residential
• Pharmaceutical

Based On Form

• Fresh
• Frozen

Based On Distribution Channel:

• Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
• Convenience Stores
• Online Platforms

Segmentation by region:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa

Market Dynamics:

Sorrel is exceptionally high in vitamin C, a water-solvent vitamin that battles inflammation and significantly boosts the immune system. French sorrel makes an excellent puree for sauces or soup; it contains 42 calories and is the main ingredient in the French recipe for ‘soupe aux herbes.’ It is also used in the therapy of cold sores.  This, coupled with numerous health benefits, is expected to fuel its global demand, subsequently positively influencing the revenue trajectory of this industry in the process.

If sorrel is consumed in large amounts, it may increase the risk of kidney stone development as it contains a high amount of oxalic acid. It can also kick-up stomach acids, which can worsen heartburn and have a diuretic effect. Moreover, this herb is rare and not popular compared to its alternatives such as parsley, spinach, etc., which may affect the overall revenue growth of this market.

A study published in the January 2011 issue, titled "Antiviral Research," noted that extracts from the sorrel leaves contain oligomeric and polymeric proanthocyanidins and flavonoids. In laboratory testing, these compounds reduced the spread of the type-1 herpes simplex virus, the variety that causes cold sores and fever.

Competitive Landscape:

The global French sorrel market is relatively competitive, with the presence of a moderate number of local and international manufacturers such as

• E.W KING & CO LTD.
• The Growers Exchange
• Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
  
• Burpee Holding Company Inc.
  
• Gardening Know How
  
• McKenzie Seeds
  
• Seedaholic
  
• West Coast Seeds
  
• Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds
  
• Urban Farmer LLC
  
• Pinetree Garden Seeds., among others.

For the French Sorrel Market research study, the following years have been considered to estimate the market size: