Best storage conditions

Store fresh sorrel refrigerated at around 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit with high humidity, near 90 to 95 percent, which is the environment inside the crisper drawer of most home refrigerators. Keeping the leaves cold and slightly moist, but not wet, slows wilting.

How long it keeps

Fresh sorrel typically keeps about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator, and often a bit longer for very fresh, dry leaves stored well. It is at its best in the first day or two, since the leaves soften and lose their bright tang over time.

Storage methods

For refrigerator storage, wrap unwashed leaves loosely in a dry paper towel and place them in a perforated or partly open plastic bag or container in the crisper drawer. Avoid packing the leaves tightly or sealing them wet, which speeds spoilage. Wash only right before use.

Freezing & preserving

Sorrel freezes reasonably well once cooked, since raw leaves collapse when thawed. A common approach is to wash the leaves, cook them briefly in a little butter or water until they melt into a puree, cool, then freeze in small portions or ice cube trays for soups and sauces. Sorrel can also be dried, though it loses much of its fresh tang and color. Because sorrel is a low-acid vegetable, do not can it in a boiling-water bath; if you want to can a sorrel-containing product, follow only tested USDA or National Center for Home Food Preservation recipes and use a pressure canner where the recipe calls for one.

Tips

Handle sorrel gently to avoid bruising, and keep it dry until you are ready to cook or serve. If leaves start to wilt, a short soak in cold water can revive them. Freeze cooked sorrel in recipe-sized portions so you can drop it straight into soups and sauces later.

General home-storage guidance. For home canning and preserving safety, follow USDA and National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) guidelines. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.