Hibiscus flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) tea or sorrel is a Christmas time favourite that will keep your health in bloom. This superfood is high in vitamin C and other antioxidants, and is used medicinally to treat a host of common ailments.

Sorrel is a member of the hibiscus family of flowering plants along with several notables like the common hibiscus flower, cotton, cocoa and okra. The origins of the plant are uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from Africa.

The plant grows as a shrub with dark, reddish stems, and reaches a height of six feet. It produces a light-yellow flower that takes on a light-reddish tinge later in the day. The flowers have red fleshy calyces (sepals), which are typically green and leaf-like on the flowers of most other plants. These calyces are used to make the sorrel drink.

In time, the flower’s corolla (petals) falls off, leaving behind the calyces, which enclose the developing fruit. At maturity the fruit is picked, and the calyces harvested and used fresh or packaged for sale and later use.

Sorrel is generally sown from April to August (though some varieties are sown year round), and it matures towards the end of the year in time for Christmas – owing to its popularity at this time.

Recipe

There is no single recipe for sorrel, but the basics are as follows. First steep the fresh or dried flowers (calyces) in boiling water for 10-15 minutes, and then add the sweetener of your choice. Optionally, you can add lime juice, a little rum, and spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, mace or pimento. The calyces are also used to make jellies, preserves and fillings for tarts and pies.

As mentioned earlier, sorrel or hibiscus flower is a popular health food that is used to treat a host of ailments. It has been shown to be effective in lowering high blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also believed to have anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, along with aiding in digestion and weight loss. In Guatemala, it is even reported to be used as a remedy for the after-effects of drunkenness – presumably when not chased with alcohol.

With its myriad benefits, sorrel is too important not to be a year-round stable of a healthy West Indian diet. Merry Christmas and happy New Year!

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