Hibiscus sabdariffa - Roselle

Roselle is Hibiscus sabdariffa, a perennial herb native to the tropics. Roselle is also known as Rosella and in Thailand is called Kra-jiap. Hibiscus sabdariffa grows to about 2m and has pinkish white or pale yellow flowers with a fleshy calyx at the base. As the fruit matures, these calyxes enlarge and turn a purplish red in colour.

The mature red calyxes are used for food colouring and are exported in large quantities to Europe and the United States. China and Thailand are the world’s largest producers.
The dried Roselle calyxes can be made into a herbal tea which is believed to help lower cholesterol levels and they can also be made into wine. In Thailand, this infusion is frequently drunk ice cold and is known as Nahm Kra-jiap.