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.
Where does sorrel come from?
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.
Does sorrel have a flower?
Common sorrel is a perennial with arrow-shaped leaves that grow from the stem at the base of the plant. Reddish flowers are carried on slender spikes.
Is Jamaican sorrel and hibiscus the same?
Note that the “sorrel” here is a Caribbean name for hibiscus flowers, also called jamaica in Spanish.
How does sorrel grow?
Sorrel thrives in a sunny or partially-shady spot, in fertile and moisture-retentive soil. It can be grown from seed, but as a perennial plant, you could also take a rooted cutting or a division from an existing plant. Sow sorrel seeds in spring, a few in small pots filled with seed compost, cover and water well.
What is sorrel called in America?
Other names for sorrel include spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock (‘dock’ being a common name for the genus Rumex).
Is there another name for sorrel?
Other names for sorrel include spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock. It is a common plant in grassland habitats and is cultivated as a garden herb or leaf vegetable (pot herb).
Is sorrel a fruit or flower?
Sorrel drink is refreshing and is the right thing to cool down with on a hot day. Sorrel is an annual plant that flowers and bears fruit twice in one year and then dies. In good conditions it grows to a height of approximately 6 feet. Sorrel is very easy to grow and is a hardy plant.
What is sorrel flower good for?
It’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium. It may support heart health and fight cancer, although more human research is needed. It can be used to make herbal tea, taken as a supplement, or enjoyed in dishes like soups, salads, and sauces.
Can you eat sorrel flower?
Yellow wood sorrel is also known as sour grass because its leaves have a mildly sour taste. In fact, every part o this flower, including the leaves, flowers, and seed pods, are edible. Sorrel is a common addition to salads, soups, and sauces and can be used to make tea.
What is Jamaican sorrel made of?
hibiscus flower
This Jamaican sorrel drink is a traditional Caribbean beverage made with the sepals of the Roselle plant, a species of the hibiscus flower. This drink is served over ice and it’s traditionally served during the Christmas Holiday. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and full of flavor.
What is another name for sorrel in Jamaica?
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa also known as Roselle and Jamaican Sorrel is not indigenous to Jamaica. In fact, it is found all around the world. It is a species of hibiscus that includes okra hollyhock and Rose of Sharon among other species.
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.
Is clover and sorrel the same thing?
If it’s spring or summer, the easiest way to tell which plant you have is to look at the flowers. If they are red or white and bushy, you’ve got clover. If they are delicate yellow or orange flowers, it’s yellow wood sorrel.
Are there different types of sorrel?
There are three major varieties to know: broad leaf, French, and red-veined sorrel. Broad leaf sorrel has slender, arrow-shaped leaves. French or Buckler leaf sorrel has small, bell-shaped leaves, while red-veined sorrel has a slender, tapered leaf with the namesake screaming red veins throughout.
Is sorrel harmful to humans?
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. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Sorrel is possibly safe when consumed in foods.
Why is sorrel a Christmas drink?
In the Caribbean, sorrel became a Christmastime tradition in part because the roselle hibiscus plant used to be available only during that time of year, says Michelle Rousseau. These days, however, the plant is cultivated year-round, and sorrel is bottled and sold commercially, she says.
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).
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.
Can you eat sorrel raw?
If you’ve never tried sorrel, be prepared to pucker up. This spring green is packed with potent astringency and a lemony, citrus-like flavor. It bump up the acidic quality of salads (just use less vinegar or lemon juice), and is great eaten raw.
Is sorrel A chestnut?
Sorrel is a reddish coat color in a horse lacking any black. It is a term that is usually synonymous with chestnut and one of the most common coat colors in horses. Some regions and breed registries distinguish it from chestnut, defining sorrel as a light, coppery shade, and chestnut as a browner shade.