Roselle DrinksRoselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L. var. sabdariffa), belonging to the family Malvaceae, is an important multipurpose annual under-shrub preferred for its red, acid, succulent calyces, young leaves, stem, fruits ,seed and seed oil for food, beverages and in Yunani and modern systems of medicine throughout the tropics and subtropics.
The dried calyces have acquired a considerable reputation in the international trade as a substitute for tea and coffee and as a popular softdrinks. The fresh calyces are used as a vegetable or eaten as salad or used in confectionaries, in the preparation of soups, curries, chutneys, sauces, jams, jellies, squashes, tarts, tisanes and wines. The astringent herbal drinks made form hibiscus, known as medicinal tea, is used as a cure for fever, cold, pneumonia, and is said to possess diuretic, demulcent, emollient, laxative, antiseptic, antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, and choleretic properties. The drug is also to cure heart and nerve disease, asthma, and skin diseases. Besides, the seeds contain fatty oil, proteins, starch and lipids. Medicinally, the seeds are reported to have demulcent, diuretic and tonic properties and recommend in cases of dyspepsia, strangury and general debility.
Roselle Drinks
