Last Updated on June 9, 2021 by Sindhu

Roselle a.k.a Hibiscus roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) belongs to the same family as Hibiscus and okra. It is also called Red Sorrel, Sorella.

The word Hibiscus refers to a whole genus of plants with many species in it. For most parts of the world, the word hibiscus reminds of the flower with 5 petals and a long stigma in the middle. Just like the one below in the black background.

But for the other parts of the world, especially Africa, South East Asia, Hibiscus sabdariffa is referred to as Hibiscus flower or Hibiscus Roselle flower or simple Roselle flower. These flowers are dark reddish-pink (ruby) in color and they look more like buds.

The stems of the roselle plant are red in color, but there is also a similar variety of hibiscus with green stems called Hibiscus cannabinus, a.k.a Kenaf.

Roselle in other languages

Roselle is called Gongura in Telugu, Mathippuli/pulivenda in Malayalam, Almamadhur in Bengali, Ambadi in Marathi, Takabhendi in Odia, Pulicha keerai in Tamil and Pundi soppu in Kannada.

Roselle tea

Flowers and leaves are the edible parts of the Roselle tea. The leaves are tangy and generally cooked like other leafy greens like spinach.

Whereas both fresh and dry flowers are brewed into a tea or a drink, which is also referred to as Sorrel drink. It has a tangy and acidic flavor with a reddish hue from the flowers.

When using fresh flowers, the white buds which are inside the calyx have to be removed and the flower can be steeped into a tea. Or you can dry them for future use.

The drink can be served warm or chilled. When you serve a warm drink, the addition of spices is ideal, but when you serve it chilled, a squeeze of lemon complements the taste.

This beverage is quite famous in the Caribbean area during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The flowers are also made into jams and preserves.

Roselle tea health benefits

Roselle tea is also called Hibiscus tea. It has numerous health benefits and lets have a look at them.

1. Rich in antioxidants

The red color of tea is a direct indication of the antioxidants found in tea. Roselle tea has Antioxidants like anthocyanins and protocatechuic acid, which helps our body to fight the damage caused by free radicals.

2. Improves cardiac health.

The heart health supporting compound is found in plenty in this tea. These can also be found in other red and purple berries, especially in the skin.

3. Reduces Bad cholesterol

Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties of roselle, it helps in reducing the bad cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood.

4. Lowers blood pressure

Several studies have shown that this tea helps in reducing high blood pressure. But people using blood pressure drugs should consume this tea in moderation since it can interfere with blood pressure levels.

5. Helps with menstrual cramps

Roselle tea and leaves have a huge effect on women’s hormones and it can help in alleviating menstrual cramps.

Since roselle interferes with estrogen levels, pregnant and also intending to become pregnant should not use this tea without medical advice.

6. Helps people lose weight.

Roselle tea is also rich in bio flavonoids and anti-oxidants. Due to which it helps in boosting the body metabolism and aids in weight loss.

7. Caffeine free & vegan friendly

Unlike many other teas, roselle tea is completely caffeine free and it’s also a better choice for Vegans.

Where to buy Roselle or Hibiscus tea

You can buy Roselle tea or dried hibiscus flowers in most of the Caribbean or Asian stores. You can also find them in specialty tea stores.

Amazon’s best selling dried Hibiscus roselle flowers for loose tea.

Where as loose tea is the traditional option, tea bags can be a more convenient option.