Roselle (plant) | Hibiscus ..
Roselle is native from India to Malaysia, where it is commonly cultivated.
The roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a species of Hibiscus family.
In English-speaking parts of the world, the plant goes by the names hibiscus, roselle, rozelle, Florida cranberry, flor de Jamaica, Jamaica sorrel, Indian sorrel, Guinea sorrel, sorrel, red sorrel, saril, sour-sour, Queensland jelly plant, jelly okra and lemon bush.
It is an annual or perennial herb or woody based shrub. The leaves are deeply three to five lobed, and arranged alternately on the stems. The flowers are white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal.
The roselle is known as the rosella or rosella fruit in Australia. It is also known as 'Belchanda' among Nepalese.
In Africa, especially the Sahel, roselle is commonly used to make a sugary herbal tea that is commonly sold on the street.
In Nigeria, rosella jam has been made since Colonial times and also used to make a refreshing drink known as Sobo.
In Thailand, Roselle is generally drunk as a cool drink, but also as a tea, believed to also reduce cholesterol. It can also be made into a wine.
In Burma, the buds of the roselle are made into 'preserved fruits' or jams. Roselle sauce or syrup may be added to puddings, cake frosting, gelatins and salad dressings, also poured over gingerbread, pancakes, waffles or ice cream.
The roselle plant is well known for its fleshy calyces that are used to make a beverage that tastes like Ribena.
In India, Africa and Mexico, the roselle plant are valued for its medicinal uses.
Hibiscus tea’s ability to cool the body. Some tea drinkers use hibiscus tea to aid in weight loss.
Hibiscus is known to have anti-inflammatory and mild anti-bacterial properties.