Noon’s Close Sorrel

Sally received it from the owner of the house once resided in by the late Professor Winifred Tutin, University of Leicester Botanist and contributor to The Concise Flora of the British Isles.

According to Leicester University, Winifred Tutin (née Pennington) was a key figure in the University College’s Department of Botany during the mid-late 20th century.

Winifred was closely linked to both the University College and the Freshwater Biological Association for a large part of her scientific career. Her specialism was in palaeoecology and palaeolimnology - branches of botany that concern themselves with the study of plant remains in bodies of water and the ecological and geological stories these sedimentary histories tell.

Appointed as a Demonstrator and Temporary Lecturer in 1947, Winifred was made Part-Time Lecturer in 1948, until 1961, when she became Special Lecturer, Honorary Reader (1971-79) and finally Honorary Professor (1980-2007). Tutin published under her maiden name Pennington (with the exception of one paper) and had her work published and acknowledged by the University College as early as 1948.

The house where she lived and grew this sorrel is in Noon's Close, Stoughton, Leicestershire, hence the variety name.

It is a typical broad-leaved sorrel: tasty, but not too acidic, perfect for salads or a sorrel sauce for fish. Can be harvested all year until heavy frosts, a good hardy perennial.

Professor Tutin was a remarkable professional and protecting this sorrel is a fitting way to honour her legacy.

Sign up and champion Noon's Close Sorrel