Sorrel grows in grassland habitats all over Europe and in parts of Central Asia, though its history goes back as far as 1700 with mentions of the sour herb in Jamaican literature. The plant grows in three varieties: French, red-veined, and broad leaf, all of which have relatively different appearances.
Is hibiscus and sorrel the same?
In the Caribbean, the popular terms are hibiscus or sorrel, as it is made from the hibiscus sabdariffa flower. The plant is native to India, but can grow as an annual in all climates. The fleshy, red calyxes that surround the base of the flowers are what we brew to make sorrel, the drink.
Is sorrel indigenous to Jamaica?
Hibiscus sabdariffa also known as Roselle and Jamaican Sorrel is not indigenous to Jamaica. In fact, it is found all around the world.
Where is sorrel grown?
Native to Europe and Asia, sorrel is a member of the Polygonaceae, or buckwheat, plant family, it has a dual identity as an herbaceous herb and a baby-leaf green for salads and cooking. The leaves have a lemony flavor that comes from the oxalic acid they produce.
Where does sorrel drink come from?
Sorrel, a festive drink made by steeping hibiscus flowers, is the taste of the holidays throughout the Caribbean. It is also a close cousin to the African-American red drink, described as “liquid soul.” In America, the boozy drink of Christmastime is buttery, cream-colored eggnog.
Is drinking sorrel good for you?
Sorrel is a great source of antioxidants, which are beneficial compounds that protect your cells from damage by neutralizing harmful free radicals. Antioxidants may help prevent many chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes ( 6 ).
What do Jamaicans call hibiscus?
What are Jamaica {Hibiscus} Flowers? Jamaica flowers are also called flor de jamaica (pronounced ha-MY-kuh) in Spanish and hibiscus flowers in English and they all refer to the same thing, the dried burgundy-hued petals of the roselle plant or Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Who brought sorrel to Jamaica?
The sorrel plant is a member of the Hibiscus family. The red variety was introduced into Jamaica by the British in the 17th century.
Does sorrel lower blood sugar?
Flavonoids in Sorrel:
It helps to lower blood sugar. It helps decrease the cholesterol of ‘poor cholesterol’ or low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and boost ‘healthy cholesterol’ or high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
What is Jamaican sorrel good for?
It’s full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also has key B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid, and can lower blood pressure. Sorrel is a known anti-inflammatory: The ascorbic acid and other compounds in sorrel make it a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drink.
Is sorrel toxic?
Its leaves contain varying levels of compounds called oxalates, which are toxic under certain conditions if ingested in quantity. Because its leaves are sour tasting, livestock generally avoid consuming red sorrel.
What is another name for sorrel?
spinach dock
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), also called common sorrel or garden sorrel, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Polygonaceae. Other names for sorrel include spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock (‘dock’ being a common name for the genus Rumex).
Does sorrel grow in USA?
Sorrel Plant
Sheep’s sorrel (Rumex acetosella) is native to North America and is not palatable to humans, but produces nutritious fodder for animals. Leaf sorrel is cultivated as a garden herb and grows 2 feet (61 cm.)
How did sorrel get to Jamaica?
As with most aspects of Jamaica’s culinary heritage, sorrel originated in West African foodways. In the same way “red drink” is an integral part of the African American experience, sorrel preserves culture. It is a nod to the red-skinned kola nut that made the trip across the Middle Passage with enslaved West Africans.
Is sorrel good for anemia?
With 2.4 mg of iron per hundred grams, sorrel is a good source of iron. Iron boosts the production of red blood cells and prevents anaemia. Red Blood Cells are responsible for transporting oxygen molecules from the lungs to other body parts. Iron is necessary for their production.
Does sorrel grow in Mexico?
Also known as good luck leaf, Mexican wood sorrel is native to Mexico but can also be grown as a garden plant.
What are the side effects of sorrel?
Wood sorrel is UNSAFE, especially when used when used in higher doses. Wood sorrel can cause diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, skin reactions, stomach and intestine irritation, eye damage, and kidney damage. Swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat can make speaking and breathing difficult.
What happens if you drink too much sorrel?
Sorrel is possibly unsafe when consumed in large amounts. Large amounts might increase the risk of developing kidney stones, or damage the liver or stomach.
Does sorrel help you lose weight?
Studies have suggested that there is an acid in sorrel that helps with weight loss. This acid discharge more amylase (an enzyme that helps you digest food) into the digestive system, which breaks down excess starch and sugar (calories) molecules in the body. A regular intake of sorrel will improve weight gain.
Why do Mexicans call it Jamaica?
In Latin countries, specifically Mexico, we call it ‘de Jamaica’ (from Jamaica) because the vibrant red flowers used in this drink are also widely used in the Caribbean country of Jamaica. They often call it sorrel.
What fruit is Jamaica known for?
Jamaica’s national fruit, the ackee is commonly used as the main ingredient in the island’s traditional food dish, ackee and saltfish. This pear-shaped produce features a mild, nutty taste, which is why it is commonly curried over rice or cooked with tomatoes, onions, and codfish.