The syrupy bissap at Senegalese restaurant Chez Dior in Hyattsville is almost berry-like. The dried calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa, more commonly known as hibiscus, sorrel or roselle, creates a deep fuchsia drink that can be bracingly tart. The plant is thought to be native to West Africa.
What is bissap in English?
bissap (uncountable) The plant roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa).
What is sorrel called in Africa?
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”.
What is bissap good for?
Bissap juice is a drink, which is widely used in traditional medicine to cure the health of men. Rich in protein, lipids, minerals, Vitamin C, antioxidant. Decrease in blood pressure : Bissap juice is very effective in reducing blood pressure. That is, it allows the reduction of cardiovascular disease.
Is Jamaican hibiscus the same as sorrel?
Jamaican sorrel drink is made by infusing hot water with dried (or fresh) hibiscus, which is called sorrel in Jamaica, along with ginger, spices plus lime or lemon juice.
Where is bissap from?
Bissap is a refreshing traditional drink from Senegal. The deep red color comes from the roselle hibiscus flower. When water is boiled remove from heat and add the dried bissap petals.
Is bissap drink good for pregnancy?
But if you’re pregnant, you don’t necessarily want your hormones messed with. Known as the emmenagogue effect, hibiscus tea and extracts can encourage blood flow to the uterus to help stimulate menstruation. Side effects, in theory, can include cramping, bleeding, early labor, and even miscarriage.
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 can I substitute for sorrel?
lemon zest
Given the tangy and acidic profile of sorrel, the best flavor substitute is lemon zest, which can add sharp acidity to a dish, or the similarly tart spice sumac.
Other ingredients that can be used as sorrel substitutes include:
- Arugula.
- Mustard greens.
- Rhubarb.
- Spinach with a squeeze of lemon juice.
What country originated sorrel?
West Africa
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.
Can hibiscus cause liver damage?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers hibiscus safe when consumed in food. However, it’s possible to have an allergic reaction to the plant. In very high doses, hibiscus may cause liver damage.
Who should not drink hibiscus tea?
It’s probably best to stay away from mixing Tylenol and hibiscus in the meantime. And as I said before, don’t drink hibiscus tea if you’re on medication for blood pressure or blood sugar. The combination of both can lower either one too much.
What happens if you drink too much hibiscus tea?
Despite its healthy profile, drinking too much hibiscus tea could bring some side effects, including faintness and drowsiness, or possible liver damage. Research also shows hibiscus could also act as a diuretic.
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 kind of hibiscus is sorrel?
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus sabdariffa, otherwise known as agua de Jamaica, Florida cranberry, Roselle, or Sorrel, as it is called in the Caribbean, dates back to 4000 BC in Sudan.
Is hibiscus also sorrel?
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.
Is bissap a wine?
Sensorial tests revealed that the “bissap wine” obtained with fermentation based on palm wine lees had organoleptic characteristics very similar to grape wine.
What is the national drink of Senegal?
Bissap
Bissap: Senegal’s National Drink.
What does sorrel drink taste like?
You can think of sorrel drink as a Christmassy lemonade. Steeped sorrel has a strong, tangy/acidic flavour that tastes strangely like lemon, but it plays well with warm fall spices.
What tea causes miscarriage in early pregnancy?
Parsley tea, specifically, has been shown to cause uterine contractions and even miscarriage when consumed in high doses during pregnancy. Pregnant people should use caution with herbal teas and first talk with a healthcare professional before adding them to their diet.
Why should you not drink hibiscus when pregnant?
Hibiscus tea can cause fluctuations in hormone levels which isn’t safe – especially in the first trimester. Hibiscus tea can also have “emmenagogue effects” which stimulate menstruation or blood flow to the uterus. This could cause bleeding, cramping, or even early labor!
Elvira Bowen is a food expert who has dedicated her life to understanding the science of cooking. She has worked in some of the world’s most prestigious kitchens, and has published several cookbooks that have become bestsellers. Elvira is known for her creative approach to cuisine, and her passion for teaching others about the culinary arts.