Thai Red Roselle Hibiscus (Sorrel)
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Seeds per packet ~ 25
Germination 76% Jan 2024 Packed for 2024
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), often referred to as Thai Roselle in the context of its popularity in Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, is a species of Hibiscus native to West Africa but widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It's known for its edible leaves and calyces, the latter of which are used to make a variety of foods, drinks, and traditional medicines. Here are some key aspects of Thai Roselle:
Roselle is a shrub-like plant that can grow up to 2-2.5 meters (7-8 feet) in height. It has green, red-tinged leaves and produces attractive, yellow hibiscus-like flowers with a dark red center. After flowering, the plant develops fleshy, bright red calyces, which are the most valued part of the plant for culinary and medicinal uses.
The calyces of Roselle are known for their tart, cranberry-like flavor and are commonly used to make beverages, jams, jellies, sauces, and for flavoring in a variety of dishes. In Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia, Roselle is often used to make a refreshing, sour-sweet herbal tea, which can be served hot or cold. This tea is known for its deep red color and unique flavor.
Roselle has been used in traditional medicine for its potential health benefits, which are thought to include blood pressure management, cholesterol reduction, and liver protection. The high content of vitamin C, anthocyanins, and other antioxidants in Roselle contributes to its health-promoting properties.
Roselle is relatively easy to cultivate in warm climates and is tolerant of poor soil conditions, making it a sustainable crop in many tropical and subtropical regions. It's often grown as an annual in temperate zones where it may not survive the winter.
In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, Roselle is also cultivated for its fibers (from the stems), which can be used to make burlap-like materials, and for its seeds, which are sometimes used to make herbal teas or pressed for oil.
Roselle holds cultural importance in many countries, especially in Southeast Asia, where it's incorporated into festive beverages and foods. Its use in traditional ceremonies and celebrations highlights its significance beyond just a culinary ingredient.
Thai Roselle is a versatile plant that is cherished not only for its unique flavor and health benefits but also for its cultural significance in Thai and other Southeast Asian cuisines. Its vibrant red calyces and the refreshing tea made from them are particularly emblematic of the region's rich botanical and culinary heritage.
