Herb. No. 070 · Malvaceae
Roselle is West African; now a tropical calyx crop from the Caribbean to Southeast Asia.
Native · Africa
Native Also grown
OpenGentleplant
Roselle
Hibiscus sabdariffa
The crimson sour calyx behind agua de jamaica — a cooling, tart drink for heat and blood pressure folklore.
Roselle is a tropical annual. The fleshy calyces dry to a sour, cranberry-like tea studied for modest blood-pressure effects. Landscape hibiscus flowers are not a substitute. Very tart — often cut with honey or ginger.
Flavor
Bright cranberry-sorrel sourness, floral and clean, staining the cup red.
Parts used
Fleshy calyx
In favor
- Delicious
- A real kitchen plant in warm climates
Against
- Can lower blood pressure
- Very sour on an empty stomach
- Needs a long hot season