Roselle

 
 
 
 
Roselle is another beneficial plant to have in our garden. It's easy to grow and we can literally enjoy the fruits of our labour!

One of the first benefits is that it has medicinal properties to help check high blood pressure. It has antihypertensive properties. It also has a mild laxative effect for those with occasional constipation problems. There are lots of other claims, including its ability to check cancer growth. I won't elaborate as this is somewhat hyperbolic to me.

As for me, the fruit can be used to boil into a concoction (with some sugar added for those who must drink it sweet) that is packed with vitamin C. Put the drink in the fridge and you will have a most refreshing drink on a hot day!

There are many other uses. One popular one is to make it into a jam. I have also tasted preserved roselle in Taiwan and it was superb! 

Most of us have heard of roselle but do you know that it belongs to the hibiscus family? Its scientific name is hibiscus sabdariffa and it is a species of hibiscus native to the west Africa.

Photos shot in my garden several months ago.