Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sorrel?

Sorrel is the calyx of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower and the name of the drink made from this particular flower.

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What are the health benefits of Sorrel?

High content of Vitamin C - reduces inflammation and fights off infection. Antibacterial properties and a gentle laxative - relieves constipation and painful bloating. One of the highest levels of antioxidants of any widely available food. Rich in anthocyanins which display the following properties:

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• Anti - cancerous - reduces cancer promotion

• Antihypertensive - reduces blood pressure

• Reduces blood pressure in people with Type 2 diabetes

• Reduces cholesterol

• Anti- ageing

• Natural Diuretic

• Increases the elasticity of blood vessels

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Due to the delicious flavour and extraordinary health benefits of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa, many tropical countries dry the flower and export it. In this form it is used to make teas, drinks and numerous hibiscus flavoured products.

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Where does it originate?
Hibiscus Sabdariffa or Sorrel as it is commonly called in the Caribbean is native from India to Malaysia. It has been widely distributed in the Tropics and Subtropics of both hemispheres and has become naturalized in many areas of the West Indies and Central America.

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The following lists a few more names that Sorrel is known by globally:

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• Agua de Jamaica in Mexico

• Asam belanda in Malaysia

• Ambashthaki in India

• Belchanda in Nepal

• Bissap in Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Ghana, Benin, Niger, Reunion, The Congo, France

• Chin buang in Burma

• Flor de Jamaica in Latin America

• Jamaica Sorrel in America

• Karkade, Karkadé in Egypt, Italy, Sudan, Levant

• KrajiabDaeng in Thailand

• Luoshenhua in Mandarin Chinese

• Quiabo-roxo in Brasil

• Roselle in Australia

• Rosela in Indonesia

• Saril in Panama

• Torosh, Chai Torsh in Iran

• Wonjo in The Gambia