Post by nutsberryfarm 🏜 on Nov 25, 2020 2:46:26 GMT
www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/home-garden/2020/11/24/roselle-florida-cranberry-isnt-just-tea/6348002002/
Florida’s early settlers often strived to bring what was familiar to this strange new land — customs, traditions and the plants that provided their food and medicine sources. A number of plants from their original homelands did make their way into their gardens. But when there was something that did not thrive in the sandy soils and heat and humidity of Florida — it was often substituted with another plant that did. Such is the story of roselle or the Florida cranberry.
The Florida cranberry, also called red sorrel, Indian sorrel or Jamaica sorrel, is native to West Africa, India and Malaysia. This colorful fruiting plant and can be found growing around the world. It is believed that roselle was brought to Florida from Jamaica in the late 1880s.
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a species of hibiscus. It is the main ingredient in hibiscus tea, but it also has many other culinary and herbal medicinal uses.
Roselle can be used to make a cranberry sauce alternative. Try using chopped roselle calyces in place of cranberries. Sauces should be kept refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
In the Caribbean, roselle is used to make a festive Christmas drink. Bakers can substitute roselle for rhubarb when making a fruit crisp or pie. The seeds, which are high in protein, can be roasted and brewed like coffee, or ground and added to soups and salads. The nutrient-rich calyces can either be stored frozen or dried for making cordials, punches and jams. The calyces can also be used to add color and flavor to herb teas. Be sure to harvest calyces before they turn brown on the plant and separate them from the seeds before using them in recipes.
In addition to its culinary uses, roselle has a number of reported medicinal uses, although it’s always best to check with your doctor first. They include:
1. Menstrual pain relief
2. Anti-Inflammatory and antibacterial properties
3. Aids digestion
4. Weight loss
5. Antidepressant properties
7. Cough, colds and fever management
10. Maintains healthy teeth and gums
12. It tastes great
Growing roselle is like cultivating a bit of Florida history, and you get herb tea too!
