I first encountered white sorrel several years ago on Thomas Turner's farm in Lawrence Tavern, St. Andrew. Needless to say, I was surprised, but once I made the drink, I preferred it to the red variety. There is a ginger beer-cream soda taste about it that just had me wanting more.

I tried to plant the seeds and even shared them with farmer friends in Manchester, but they came to nothing. As we put together our package of features for this section for the Christmas season, I shared my knowledge of white sorrel's existence with members of the Lifestyle team and we proceeded to scout the island for it so we could share it with readers.

We had no luck.

Many had heard of, but none had seen it. My friend Thomas would not return calls, so I drew another blank. I abandoned the story idea, but still hoped to find the elusive white sorrel soon.

Well, Boxing Day found me on the Cobbla, Manchester farm of Valerie Davis, third-place winner in our Christmas cake contest. She had extended an invitation for a visit the next time I was in the area. During a tour of her farm, I noticed a tray of white sorrel in the yard.

I exclaimed with the same degree of glee that overcame me when I saw The Gleaner on a stand in a Philadelphia train station for the first time in six months. I was so happy, I immediately telephoned Nashauna Drummond and Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore with the good news.

Mrs. Davis, in true rural kind-heartedness, gave me the entire tray of white sorrel and a promise to get me photos of the plant.

And since I had taken my camera along, I immediately took pictures of the shelled sorrel petals before they began to wilt.

Turns out that her son, Asrick Fisher, a farm manager based in Hanover, grew the precious plant.

So, readers and loyal fans of the Food section, meet white sorrel, and if you are lucky enough to get some, just prepare it in the same way you would the regular variety.

- Barbara Ellington