Noon’s Close Sorrel

We were donated this variety by Garden Organic's own Sally Cunningham - organic grower and wildlife expert. 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.

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.

Champion Noon's Close sorrel

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

Champion Noon's Close Sorrel