Sourgrass Cucumber Bites Recipe

Sourgrass, or Oxalis, is a commonly recognized wild plant noted for its tangy, lemon-like flavor due to the oxalic acid in its leaves. This unique taste makes it an excellent addition to various dishes. In addition to its delightful flavor, sourgrass is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a nutritious and vibrant ingredient for your culinary repertoire.

How to Identify Sourgrass

Here's how to spot sourgrass in the wild:

  • Leaves: Sourgrass has trifoliate leaves, with each stem supporting three heart-shaped leaflets, similar to clover.

  • Flowers: The plant produces small, yellow flowers with five petals, usually blooming in clusters.

  • Stems: Its stems are often reddish and juicy, contributing to the plant's distinctive appearance.

  • Taste: The best way to identify sourgrass is by tasting a small leaf, which should have a bright, tangy, lemon-like flavor.

About the Recipe

A light and refreshing appetizer that pairs the crispness of cucumber with the tanginess of sourgrass-infused cream cheese. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and perfect for serving at parties, gatherings, or as a light snack.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large cucumber

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup chopped sourgrass leaves

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash the cucumber thoroughly under running water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumber into rounds about 1/4 inch thick, discarding the ends.

  2. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese and chopped sourgrass leaves. Mix until the sourgrass is evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese. Season the cream cheese mixture with a pinch of salt, adjusting to taste.

  3. Spread the Mixture: Spread a small amount of the sourgrass cream cheese mixture on top of each cucumber slice, covering the entire surface.

  4. Arrange the Slices: Arrange the assembled sourgrass cucumber bites on a serving platter.

  5. Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish with additional chopped sourgrass leaves for presentation. Serve immediately.

Join Our Foraging Classes & Explore More

Interested in exploring more wild plants like sourgrass? Join one of our foraging classes at forageSF to learn more about identifying and using wild edibles. You can also enhance your culinary skills with The Ultimate Sourgrass Cookbook: 100 Innovative Recipes for Nature’s Tangiest Herb.

Join our foraging class and consider buying the book for further inspiration!

Carla Bolado