Hibiscus sabdariffa is a tropical flowering plant in the mallow family.
In fact, it is commonly referred to as rose mallow. This species is
native to west Africa, where it is known as carcade. However, because it
is widely cultivated and used as food in so many parts of the world, the
plant is also known by many other names, most notably as roselle, sorrel
and Flor de Jamaica.
The vibrantly colored flowers add color to teas, soft drinks and
other beverages. For example, in Africa the dried calyx is made into
Sudan Tea, and in the Caribbean sorrel tea is combined with beer to
produce a popular beverage called Shandy Sorrel.
The dried flowers are also used in cooking. In Australia, Burma, Nigeria
and Trinidad, the whole buds are made into jam or jelly. In the
Philippines, hibiscus is an ingredient in Polynesian Chicken Stew. In
India, hibiscus is used to flavor soups and chicken and fish.
