flor de 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.
Is sorrel and Jamaica the same?
Note that the “sorrel” here is a Caribbean name for hibiscus flowers, also called jamaica in Spanish. When shopping, make sure you are getting that rather than the green herb called sorrel that tastes tartly of lemon.
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.”
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.
What is the correct name for sorrel?
| Sorrel | |
|---|---|
| Genus: | Rumex |
| Species: | R. acetosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Rumex acetosa L. |
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.
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 do Jamaicans call hibiscus?
flor de jamaica
What are Jamaica {Hibiscus} Flowers? Jamaica flowers are also called flor de jamaica (pronounced ha-MY-kuh) in Spanish and hibiscus flowers in English and they all refer to the same thing, the dried burgundy-hued petals of the roselle plant or Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Who brought sorrel to Jamaica?
The agency indicates that sorrel was introduced from West Africa to Jamaica by the British in the 17th century. The plant belongs to the hibiscus family and is grown by farmers across the island.
What is Jamaica drink in English?
Agua de Jamaica which translates as “hibiscus water” is a typical agua fresca to accompany the mid-day meal in Mexico. It is sweet, tart, delicious and really a refreshing drink all at the same time.
Is drinking sorrel good for you?
It’s full of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also has key B-vitamins like niacin and folic acid, and can lower blood pressure. Sorrel is a known anti-inflammatory: The ascorbic acid and other compounds in sorrel make it a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drink.
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.
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.
What kind of herb is sorrel?
The sorrel herb is a tangy, lemony flavored plant. The youngest leaves have a slightly more acidic taste, but you can use mature leaves steamed or sautéed like spinach. Sorrel is also called sour dock and is a perennial herb that grows wild in many parts of the world.
What is the herb sorrel used for?
Sorrel is used for reducing sudden and ongoing pain and swelling (inflammation) of the nasal passages and respiratory tract, for treating bacterial infections along with conventional medicines, and for increasing urine flow (as a diuretic). Sorrel is also an ingredient in the herbal cancer treatment Essiac.
Where do you find sorrel?
Common sorrel leaves are great for salads, puddings, soups or stews. The name ‘common’ really does describe this plant and we can usually find it in any grass type environment at any time of year save a very harsh winter or a drought over summer.
What are the side effects of Jamaican sorrel?
Wood sorrel is UNSAFE, especially when used when used in higher doses. Wood sorrel can cause diarrhea, nausea, increased urination, skin reactions, stomach and intestine irritation, eye damage, and kidney damage. Swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat can make speaking and breathing difficult.
Does sorrel make you poop?
Plants (like sorrel) are high in dietary fiber. Fiber keeps your digestive tract on track and your poops regular. It can also help to lower your risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and some gastrointestinal problems.
Does sorrel help you lose weight?
Studies have suggested that there is an acid in sorrel that helps with weight loss. This acid discharge more amylase (an enzyme that helps you digest food) into the digestive system, which breaks down excess starch and sugar (calories) molecules in the body.
What does sorrel taste like?
Despite its dull color when cooked, sorrel does taste bright and exuberant. No other vegetable at this time of year has such power, or complexity. Sorrel is fruity like rhubarb. It is tart like lemon.
Is sorrel safe to eat?
You can also use raw sorrel leaves like you would an herb: chopped up and added to legumes or eggs, or as an addition to yogurt or sour cream as a refreshing, lemony dip. Cooking reduces sorrel’s oxalic acid content, and it also makes the leaves soft and rich and delicious, like really good spinach.
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.