Roselle, Hibiscus sabdariffa has traveled from Africa, thousands of years ago to my garden in Northeast Mississippi this year. I have been deeply grateful for her visit this summer. The Roselle is an eye-catcher with its garnet stems, deep green leaves, and its delicate flowers. Roselle Hibiscus Medicinal Tea is one of the world’s popular teas.
Roselle is a special Hibiscus
Let’s talk Hibiscus sabdariffa. Hibiscus is a genus of the Malvaceae family. There are hundreds of Hibiscus species. Not counting the many hybrids. In all of these species, Roselle is the only hibiscus that produces the calyx. Various species are edible or medicinal, but not all hibiscus. Whereas Roselle is edible, medicinal and cultivated for the production of fiber.
I planted the Roselle from a quart pot and now the Roselle is about 5′ tall and 6′ wide. Glossy, lobed leaves alternating down the beautiful garnet stems. The flowers yellow pinkish with a deep red throat. Friends have associated the flower to resemble an okra bloom. Roselle is planted on the hill in the okra row, beside Passionflower, Boneset, and Elecampane.
Harvesting Roselle is part of the treat
Let’s talk about harvesting Hibiscus’ calyx. After petals fall off, I harvest the Calyx when it is about 2″ long with cutters. The children and I remove the green ovary then dry the calyx, sepal pieces. The ovaries are sour like candy or lemons. I store the sepals in a glass jar after they are completely dry. Then leaving the ovaries on a tray to dry for easy removal of the seeds.
A perfect example of food is medicine
Let’s talk about Roselle’s nutrition value. Roselle is high in vitamin C, minerals and antioxidant flavonoids. With the tea’s beautiful red color its easy to make a very visually inviting nutritious drink for the children. The recipe list is endless from teas, mead to popsicles and chutney. I love homemade chutney!
Let’s talk about the medicinal properties of Roselle Hibiscus. Roselle is a hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, cholesterol-lowering, antioxidant. High in anthocyanins, its focus is the cardio system. These flavonoids also protect the liver, eyesight and reduce the proliferation of human cancer cells.
Let’s talk about how to use this antioxidant powerhouse. Tea, infusions, and decoctions. Roselle is a tonic medicinal herb. In general situations, she can be used on a daily bases. In the Caribbean, a drink is made from sepals of the roselle fruit. It is prepared by boiling fresh, frozen or dried sepals in water for 8 to 10 minutes (or until the water turns red), then adding sugar. It is often served chilled. The drink is commonly consumed in Mexico and Central America; they are typically made from fresh fruits, juices or extracts. In Mexican restaurants in the US, the beverage is sometimes known simply as Jamaica. It is very popular in Trinidad and Tobago especially at Christmas where cinnamon, cloves and bay leaves are seasonal additions.  It is also popular in Jamaica, usually flavored with rum. In Lebanon, toasted pine nuts are added. Zobo a refreshing Nigeria drink made with Roselle, natural fruit juices of pineapple and watermelon. The history of Roselle amazes me. One plant, one delicious tea served in many cultures for thousands of years.
The other part of the treat is cooking with Roselle
Here is the Hibiscus Tea Recipe my family enjoys. It’s tart and refreshing.
- 1/3 c Hibiscus
- 3 tbsp of Tulsi
- 3 tbsp of Lemon Balm
- 1/4 cup of Calendula flower
- 3 tbsp of Schisandra
(All dried ingredients)
Boil 1 gallon of water. Next, steep the herbs for 25 mins or so. Strain out the herbs. Last, add another gallon of cold water. Serve with Ice.
I have an old Hibiscus Mango Chutney recipe to share today as well.
- 1 pound fresh or frozen mango chunks
- 2 tbsp organic hibiscus flower tea
- ½ cup golden raisins
- 1 cup of organic sugar
- 1 large yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced,
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup fresh, finely chopped ginger root
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- pinch of cayenne
- 2 tsp chili powder
- ½ a nutmeg, grated
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp salt
Put all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed pot and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about two hours or until thick. Refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Bring Hibiscus into your home
I hope you have an opportunity to enjoy Roselle in your garden next summer. Being a tropical plant, I plan to cover my Roselle when the frost comes. Also will make a hardwood cutting in the late fall. Hopefully, we will see her blooms next summer. Here’s a toast to you and yours!
Precautions
A few precautions with acetaminophen usage and with immunosuppressive pharmaceuticals drugs.
