Origin Of Red Roselle
With the botanical name Hibiscus sabdariffa, roselle is a species of Hibiscus probably native to West and East Africa and South-East Asia, including Northeastern India. The West Indies knew the plant in the early 16th century, and in the 17th century, it was already growing in Asia.
Zobo is a perennial plant. It grows up to 2-2.5 meters (7-8 feet) long, and its leaves are three to five-lobed, 3-6 inches (8-15 cm) long. The leaves are arranged after each other on the stem.
The flowers are 8–10 cm (3–4 in) in diameter, white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal, and have a stout fleshy calyx at the bottom, 1–2 cm (0.39–0.79 in) wide, enlarging to 3–3.5 cm (1.2–1.4 in), fleshy and bright red as the fruit matures. Maturity occurs six months after planting.
Roselle is a multi-purpose plant; farmers have food and earn income for growing roselle plants. When there is scarcity, roselle leaves can be used as a substitute for other vegetables. Companies into wine and juice production are part of the roselle leaf beneficiaries, as it can be used in wine and juice production.
Nutrient Composition Of Red Roselle
The nutrient composition in 100gram of hibiscus tea is as follows:
- Calories 37
- Total Fat 0.7g
- Saturated fat 0.3g
- Monounsaturated fat 0.1g
- Sodium 3mg
- Potassium 9mg
- Total Carbohydrate 7g
- Dietary fiber 0.3g
- Sugar 6g
- Protein 0.4g
Preferred Botanical Name: Hibiscus Sabdariffa
Preferred Common Name: Red Roselle
Local Common Name: Zobo
Medicinal Properties And Uses Of Red Roselle
Roselle is a medicinal plant; it contains different essential compounds called phytochemicals. It is well known for its delicacy and its nutritional and medicinal properties. The application of the plant in managing various medical problems, including cancer, inflammatory diseases, has been well studied.
Some of the uses of roselle are:
Domestic Applications
The seeds, leaves, fruits, and roots of the roselle plant are useful as food in different parts of the world. The red calyxes of roselle are often used to produce non-alcoholic drinks and tonics such as wine, juice, jam, jelly and may also be dried and brewed into tea and spice.
Many African countries use Roselle seeds in their diet because they are a good source of protein, fat, and sugar. Their young leaves and tender stems are eaten raw as green vegetables.
Herbal Medicine Applications
Roselle relieves constipation and promotes regular bowel movement. It can increase urination and treat crack heel, bilious, sores, and wounds. Traditionally, roselle has been used for the relief of sore throat and healing wounds. They are useful in treating cough; in India, leaves are poultice on abscesses.
In African traditional medicine, Roselle leaves are helpful for emollient, antipyretic, antimicrobial, diuretic, anti-helminthic, and sedative properties.
Blood Pressure-Lowering Effect
Aqueous roselle extract is as effective as captopril in treating mild to moderate hypertension. There is no adverse effect with the treatment, confirming the effectiveness and safety of the extract.
Anti-Diabetic Activity
Roselle extract effectively lowers serum cholesterol, triacylglycerol, the ratio of low-density lipoprotein/high-density protein (LDL/HDL), and (AGE) formation and lipid peroxidation.
Anthelmintic And Antimicrobial Effects
Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-parasitic functions are linked to roselle. The extraction of oil from roselle seeds has an in vitro inhibitory effect on Bacillus anthracis and staphylococcus albus.
How To Grow Red Roselle
The following are explanations of the requirement concerning how to grow red roselle.
Yield Information Of Red Roselle
Maturity of the roselle flower seeds occurs six months after planting. Roselle plants up to 6 inches wide and 8 inches tall have reached maturity. They are often covered in beautiful hibiscus flowers. Roselle is an annual plant. Propagation of the plant is by seed or from cuttings too.
Soil And Sun Requirements Of Red Roselle
Soil requirements for planting roselle are well-draining, fertile, neutral sandy loam, and slightly alkaline soil. Avoid waterlogged situations and too much fertilization. Roselle requires direct sunshine for at least six hours daily.
Nursery and Transplant Requirements
Seedlings can either be first sown and transplanted or sown directly into the soil. For germination, seeds require a temperature of about 75 degrees to 85 degrees. Below is the information concerning the nursery and transplanting of red roselle.
- Soak the seed a night to planting day for optimum yield.
- Transplant seedlings once they are 3-4 inches high into the hole in the garden for full sunlight.
- Use a heat mat to keep the soil warm if starting indoors, as the seed will germinate best in warm soils.
- A well-draining soil is most suitable for the roselle plant, but they do not like plenty of water.
- Add compost to the soil before planting instead of nitrogen because it will affect the calyxes formation.
- On transplant, avoid overwatering the roots.
Watering Requirements Of Red Roselle
Roselle requires 800 –1600 mm (30-60 in) of continuous annual rainfall; a minimum of 100–150 mm/month (4-6 in) during vegetative growth. Roselle does not like overwatering as it can’t survive in waterlogged areas. Avoid overwatering.
Planting And Spacing Requirements Of Roselle
The Roselle plant is huge and requires a spacious space to grow. Plants may get up to seven feet tall; they may need to be supported with some staking. For seeds that are directly planted in the soil, the spacing requirement is 3-6 ft (1-2 meters) apart in rows.
Ensure to weed the farm as the plant begins to grow. However, the plant will suppress competitors as it matures and becomes larger.
Harvesting Of Roselle
Harvesting roselle calyxes should be when the pods are still tender; this is usually around eight to ten days after the calyxes begin to form. When the pointy red calyx around the seed pod is more than an inch wide, it indicates harvest. Although the seed pod is fully grown, it is still tender.
The calyx is best removed with clippers to avoid damage to the branch. Early harvesting of calyces promotes and increases plant yield.
Storage of Roselle and its Seeds
Roselle leaves are not usually stored for very long because it withers. However, you can keep it in a cool, dry place or the fridge for about two days. While harvesting, leave a few calyces on the plant so you can harvest the seeds at the end of the season.
The seed pods will crack and open when they are dry. Shake the seeds out, and store them in a dark, cool place.
Diseases Affecting Roselle
Leaf spot caused by Cercospora hibisci.
Leaf blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kühn.
Fruit rot caused by Phytophthora parasitica Destor.
If the soil is not well-draining, root rot may occur to plants.
Conclusion
Did you know that Roselle, also known as Hibiscus sabdariffa in scientific terms, is actually brimming with numerous health benefits? This remarkable plant is bursting with antioxidants that can aid in maintaining a healthy heart by lowering both blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Not only that, it’s also jam-packed with vitamin C, giving your immune system a much-needed boost and promoting glowing skin. Plus, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, Roselle can help reduce oxidative stress, potentially warding off chronic illnesses. Pretty impressive, right?
Roselle has the ability to act as a diuretic, which can help maintain healthy kidney function by removing harmful toxins from the body. Its delightful flavor makes it a popular ingredient in drinks, making it a tasty and hydrating way to reap its benefits. Furthermore, its potential to aid in weight management and provide essential minerals only adds to its overall well-being advantages.