Hibiscus Sabdariffa, also known as Florida Cranberry, Jamaican Sorrel, Roselle Hibiscus, and Red Sorrel, is not just a feast for the eyes with its stunning flowers; it’s a cornucopia of culinary delights and health benefits. Integrating this versatile plant into your foodscape serves more than aesthetic purposes—it’s a pillar of permaculture and a step towards self-sufficiency, providing a multitude of edible parts such as leaves, calyces, and more. With each part of the plant offering a unique benefit, from its tangy flavor to its antioxidant-rich composition, Hibiscus Sabdariffa is a gift that keeps on giving, leading to a healthier, self-reliant lifestyle.
If you’re on the lookout for a plant that is as beneficial to your health as it is beautiful in your garden, Hibiscus Sabdariffa may just be the perfect addition. Let’s delve into the wonders of this plant, how to grow it, and how to relish the fruits of your labor in a variety of delicious ways.
Why Sabdariffa Hibiscus?
Hibiscus sabdariffa is the flowering cousin of the well-known vegetable okra. The flowers are creamy white with a deep crimson red center. A simply gorgeous landscaping plant, the hibiscus sabdariffa is appealing in so many ways. Surprisingly a plant with so much to offer visually also furnishes us with tasty nutriments.
Starting with the most valuable part, the calyx is very rich in immune boosting antioxidants, such as vitamin C, that help stabilize free radicals — unstable molecules that cause cellular damage. This is largely due to the anthocyanins found in the natural red color of the fruit. Additionally, studies have shown that tea made from these calyces can increase metabolism while reducing buildup of excessive fat cells in the liver. So, are you sold on the plant yet? We sure were!
Sourcing the Seeds
Luckily, Hibiscus Sabdariffa is a relatively easy plant to grow. I had read this many times over but wasn’t convinced until I tried it myself. If you still have concerns about starting them from seed Click Here for a neat little seed starting hack to simplify the process.
It took some searching to source the seeds, as they aren’t common enough to be sold at your local hardware store. I ended up finding them on Etsy. Others have purchased them on Ebay.
These plants are a short-lived perennial (living two years or so) in warm climates like south Florida. If you live in a northern area that gets frost your hibiscus sabdariffa will be an annual plant. Let the mature seed pods dry out on the plant and gather at the end of the season.
Below is a dried seed pod. Deep inside there are small seeds resembling brown corn kernels. Save these for planting the following year.
Place the seeds in a dry area away from sunlight and heat. Some people put seeds in the refrigerator or freezer to preserve. In fact, some seeds need this “cold stratification” to mimic the natures cycle. For this tropical plant cold stratification isn’t necessary. Just keep them in a drawer in the least humid area of your home. Fluctuations in humidity are not good for your seeds.
How To Grow Hibiscus Sabdariffa
We live in south Florida, where the weather is pretty much always hot. We have a brief period of chilly weather late December through January. After that period has passed, we have direct-sown the seeds from February through October.
As I mentioned before, these are not frost hardy plants. You can grow them in northern zones (as far as zone three) as annuals, but you will have to start them indoors. Keep seedlings in a warm sunny spot. You can transplant them to your flower garden after the last frost.
Luckily these are fast growing full sun plants, which makes them an enjoyable annual. They are unlikely to produce fruit for you if you give them any less than full sun. For soil type, clay, loam, or sand is fine — they are not picky. But do plant them in an area with good drainage. They will not thank you for planting them in a soggy area.
Sabdariffa hibiscus have an upright growth form and grow anywhere from four to seven feet tall. But if you have an overzealous producer it will spill over from the weight of the fruit. Our little guys had to be staked, as they were full of fruit and dragging on the ground.
Harvest Your Hibiscus Sabdariffa
The Calyx (Fruit) — Select plump, bright red fruits of about one inch in diameter. Snip them at the base of the fruit where it meets the stem.
Remove the thick, fleshy leaves and cut out the rounded seed pod. Peel away fleshy base.
Making Hibiscus Sabdariffa Tea
Put the fruit in a small sauce pot and cover completely with filtered water. Add sugar, honey, or agave nectar to taste. Stir repeatedly until the sugar has dissolved.
Bring the liquid to a boil and reduce the heat. Simmer the tea for about five minutes more to extract the color and nutrients. Let it cool.
Strain off the spent fruit and compost it if you can. We have added orange zest to the tea and it is delicious! Some add a cinnamon stick and lime juice or zest. Experiment with different flavors until you find your favorite combination.
The Leaves
Choose tender, young hibiscus sabdariffa leaves to add to your salad. These leaves will imbue a tart, citrusy flavor and pair well with a spring mix having slightly bitter baby arugula.
For a simple spring salad — Add some sliced apple, cherry tomatoes, or other fruit of choice. The sweetness of the fruit helps balance the other flavors. Toss with healthy oil and vinegar. Add a dash of garlic powder and some fresh herbs.
In conclusion, the Hibiscus Sabdariffa is not only a visually stunning addition to any garden, enlivening it with a touch of the tropics, but it also offers a wealth of practical uses. Its leaves and fruit can enhance a variety of dishes and beverages, from teas to salads and sweet jams. Those who choose to cultivate this plant will likely find themselves delighted by its beauty and utility alike. If you decide to incorporate the Hibiscus Sabdariffa into your garden, we would love to hear about your experiences. Share your stories and let the community know how this versatile plant has enriched your gardening endeavors!
