The roselle or rosella plant is a species of hibiscus that is native to Africa but now commonly
found across Southeast Asia. The beautiful pinkish red flowering plant grows well in humid
conditions, which is part of the reason why the rosella plants on Bawah Reserve are
flourishing. You can find them all over our permaculture gardens.
Today, rosella is used to make drinks, jams and as herbal medicine. Naturally high in
Vitamins A, B2, C, and D as well as magnesium, omega 3, iron and potassium, it’s no
wonder why this beautiful flower is being used more and more to boost health and wellbeing.
As a herbal drink, rosella tea is crimson in colour with a tart, cranberry-like flavour. It is used
to make both hot and cold drinks.
Drinking it provides numerous health benefits, including lowering blood pressure and
cholesterol as well as aiding weight loss. It is calorie- and caffeine-free. And the rosella at
Bawah isn’t treated with any chemical fertilisers or pesticides, making it as natural as it
comes.
Start with either fresh or dried rosella flowers. Then decide which of these two ways suits you best:
1) The quick cup: Pop the flowers of the roselle into a teapot of boiling water. Let sit for
five minutes. Pour into a cup and add sugar or honey to sweeten. For cold tea, pour
into a bottle and cool in the refrigerator for several hours.
2) The slower cup: Boil the flowers in a pan of water for 15 to 20 minutes. This imparts
a slightly deeper colour and flavour to the drink, which can be served hot or cold,
sweetened or not.
If you are not a tea drinker, you can make a syrup or concentrate from your roselles.
Similar to the second tea recipe above, you simply add sugar while the water is boiling
(around 2/3 of the amount of water used) and let it simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until the
liquid has reduced. Remove the heat and allow to further thicken. Use the syrup to flavour
your sparkling water or drizzle it over salads.
Don’t worry if you can’t get fresh rosella plants. There are a number of dried options
available online which are just as good. Or book your trip to Bawah Reserve where we serve
hot rosella tea in our spa before and after your complimentary daily treatment and cold refreshing Rosella syrup inspired soft drinks cocktails at the Boathouse.