Щabeлb – Russian word for sorrel

tl’aak’wách’– Tlingit word for sourdock

quagaq, quagak, quagat – Iñupiaq word for sourdock

quagciq / kangagatutu’li / angu’kuk / akkakuk – Yup’ik words for sourdock

quunarliaraat – Yup’ik word for mountain sorrel

tash’i / kash’i / markasha – Dena’ina words for sourdock

aalungaaya-x – Unangan word for sorrel or sourdock

quunarleq – Sugpiaq word for sourdock

Entering the English language in the 14th century, sorrel is derived from the Old French word surele, meaning sour. The alternate, dock, reflects the growing habits of the plant itself. Dock comes into the English language a century later and is likely derived from the Proto-Germanic dokkon, meaning tuft or bundle.

Find Hollis’s companion recipes for sorrel crackers, cake, and frosting.

First published in the Spring 202 issue of Edible Alaska.