Abstract. Total and soluble oxalates were determined in common sorrel plants collected from 12 sities in the Małopolska voivodeship. The lower leaves of sorrel contained most oxalates, on average 24.8 mg·g^-1 d.m. of total oxalates and 8.88 mg·g^-1 d.m. of soluble oxalates. The highest share of soluble oxalates in total oxalates, on average 60%, was detected in sorrel stems.

The content of oxalates in plants of common sorrel
(Rumex acetosa L.) from natural sites

Summary

The content of total and soluble oxalates in roots, stems, lower and upper leaves, and flowers of common sorrel collected from 12 sites in the Małopolska voivodeship is presented in the paper. The highest content of total oxalates was found in lower (on average 24.80 mg·g^-1 d.m.) and upper sorrel leaves (22.49 mg·g^-1 d.m.). In other plant parts the level of these compounds was 2-3 times lower. Lower leaves and also stems of sorrel contained the highest amount of soluble oxalates, respectively 8.88 and 4.03 mg·g^-1 d.m. The lowest content was found in roots and flowers. The greatest share of soluble oxalates in total oxalates was noted in sorrel stems (60% on average). The results of the investigation showed that sorrel leaves contained the greatest amount of soluble oxalates, i.e. compounds considered as harmful though crucial in creating a desirable acidic taste.