The sorrel plant is a member of the Hibiscus family. The red variety was introduced into Jamaica by the British in the 17th century.
Where did sorrel drink originated?
West Africa
The seasonal plant produces a refreshing sorrel drink that is a favorite during the Christmas season. Like many popular plants grown in the Caribbean region, sorrel has its origins in West Africa. Known as Roselle, or less by its scientific name ‘Hibiscus sabdariffa’, sorrel is a species of the Hibiscus family.
Is sorrel indigenous to Jamaica?
Hibiscus sabdariffa also known as Roselle and Jamaican Sorrel is not indigenous to Jamaica. In fact, it is found all around the world.
Why is sorrel called Jamaica?
Red drinks made from Roselle hibiscus have spread far and wide. A version of the drink is “known as bissap to many African countries,” Miller says. “Then it became sorrel in Jamaica. It’s even being embraced by the Latinx culture, called agua de Jamaica.”
Are sorrel and Jamaica the same?
But while sorrel is commonly associated with Jamaica, iterations of the refreshing tart-sweet hibiscus drink abound: it’s known as agua de Jamaica, jugo de Jamaica, or rosa de Jamaica in much of Latin America; bissap in Senegal; sobolo in Ghana; and zobo in Nigeria.
Who created sorrel?
Brooklyn Brewed Sorrel is a delightful brewed and aged hibiscus-spiced beverage based on a family recipe with an over 400-year Caribbean heritage started by Brooklyn born, 1st generation Caribbean American foodie and designer Nzinga Knight.
Is Jamaica named after hibiscus?
The answer is simple – it originated in Jamaica. The beverage is hibiscus tea. A large part of the confusion about the drink comes from the different names for the hibiscus plant. West Indians call hibiscus sorrel or sorrel, Africans call the plant Roselle, and it’s known as hibiscus in other locales.
Does Jamaica Export sorrel?
Jamaican Teas will be introducing new product lines by June. The food processor, known for its hot beverage products, will start the production process for whole dried sorrel, instant sorrel, and instant chocolate with coconut and sea salt later this month.
What is sorrel made from?
In the Caribbean, the popular terms are hibiscus or sorrel, as it is made from the hibiscus sabdariffa flower. The plant is native to India, but can grow as an annual in all climates. The fleshy, red calyxes that surround the base of the flowers are what we brew to make sorrel, the drink.
How long does Jamaican sorrel take to grow?
Jamaican sorrel leaves are ready to pick 10 weeks from sowing.
Who invented Jamaica drink?
According to the Natural History Museum in Britain, that credit goes to Sir Hans Sloane, an Irish botanist. Sloane spent some time in Jamaica in the early 1700s, where the local people gave him cocoa to drink. “He found it ‘nauseous’ but by mixing it with milk made it more palatable,” the museum says.
What is another name for sorrel in Jamaica?
Jamaican sorrel is in fact what many of us know as hibiscus blossoms, which can be found dried online and at Latin American or natural food stores, where they are sometimes also called flor de jamaica.
What is Jamaica called in English?
Jamaica
Jamaica Jumieka (Jamaican Patois) | |
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Anthem: “Jamaica, Land We Love” 1:21 | |
Capital and largest city | Kingston 17°58′17″N 76°47′35″W |
Official languages | English |
Other primary language | Jamaican Patois |
What is Jamaican sorrel good for?
It’s rich in antioxidants and nutrients like fiber, vitamin C, and magnesium. It may support heart health and fight cancer, although more human research is needed. It can be used to make herbal tea, taken as a supplement, or enjoyed in dishes like soups, salads, and sauces.
Where did hibiscus come from?
The eight hibiscus species that are considered to be the ancestors of the modern exotic hibiscus were originally native to Mauritius, Madagascar, Fiji, Hawaii, and either China or India.
What is the benefit of sorrel?
The health benefits of sorrel may include its ability to improve eyesight, slow aging, reduce skin infections, strengthen the immune system, and improve digestion. It may also build strong bones, increase circulation, boost energy levels, lower blood pressure, increase appetite, and strengthen heart health.
What is another name for sorrel?
Sorrel (Rumex acetosa), also called common sorrel or garden sorrel, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the family Polygonaceae. Other names for sorrel include spinach dock and narrow-leaved dock (‘dock’ is a common name for the genus Rumex).
What is the African name for sorrel?
The sorrel drink is still very popular in West African countries especially Ghana where it is called “sobolo” and in Nigerian where it is called “zobo”.
Is hibiscus the same as Jamaican sorrel?
West Indians call hibiscus sorrel or sorrel, Africans call the plant Roselle, and it’s known as hibiscus in other locales. It’s the exact same plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa, an edible species of hibiscus. Agua de Jamaica literally translates into the term Jamaica water.
What is Jamaican national flower?
Lignum Vitae
National Flower- Lignum Vitae
Lignum Vitae(Guiacum officinale) is indigenous to Jamaica and was found here by Christopher Columbus.
What fruit is Jamaica known for?
ackee
Jamaica’s national fruit, the ackee is commonly used as the main ingredient in the island’s traditional food dish, ackee and saltfish. This pear-shaped produce features a mild, nutty taste, which is why it is commonly curried over rice or cooked with tomatoes, onions, and codfish.
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