Rosella Hibiscus flowers have been known to prevent hypertension, lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar levels, keep your liver healthy, help with menstrual cramps, help with depression, aid digestion and help with weight management. Its rich in Vitamin C, contains minerals such as flavonoids and has laxative properties. The calyces contain the flavonoids gossypetin, hibiscetine and sabdaretine.
What do Rosella flowers taste like? By itself, the rosella flower petals are tart in flavour and honestly reminds me of the tart (yet ever so slightly sweet) taste of rhubarb.
Hot Rosella tea You could use rosella to make a cup of tea by placing a handful of fresh petals (seed pods removed) into a mug of hot water and allow to sit for 5 minutes. You can then drink the tea hot (including the petals). Chilled Rosella tea If iced tea seems more appealing than a cup of hot tea, to make a jug of iced rosella tea, simple place two cups of rosella flowers (seed pods removed) into a jug of hot water. Leave on counter until cool, then place in the fridge to chill. Serve with ice.
Rosella Jam This rosella jam recipe uses the rosella calyx only without the addition of any other fruits like apples to boost the pulp or raise the pectin levels for better setting. Using the rosella calyx on its own gives a rich, natural taste and by simmering the seed pods separately and extracting the pectin this way is more than adequate to make the jam set. click for recipe
Rosella (Wild Hibiscus) in syrup Due to Rosella flowers being ‘tart’ to taste, many people prefer to sweeten it up a little. Rosella flowers in syrup can be added to champagne or used as a cordial mixed with water or soda water. You can buy commercially made Rosella flowers in syrup (see photo below as example), however you need to check the label as some brands contain refined white sugar.
Growing your own rosella plants Just save a few seed pods (peel the flower) and allow them to dry on your window sill. When dry, you can crack open the seed pods to reveal several small black seeds which you can plant in your garden. If you forget just ask me and I have dried seeds.