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Hibiscus sabdariffa edible bits
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Posted by popi NSW Aust (My Page) on Thu, Mar 15, 07 at 2:18
| Hi there
I have a nice crop of Hibiscus sabdariffa and want to know what I can actually eat. Is it just the red calyxs ?
I would like some ideas as to what to do with them.
I have eaten a few from the plant and they didnt seem to taste of much, but I suspect that they may not have been ripe, as the seeds certainly werent.
Thanks for ideas.
Popi |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Hibiscus sabdariffa edible bits
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- Posted by dejaco NE Tasmania (My Page) on
Fri, Apr 13, 07 at 20:42
| You lucky person! What you have is known as rosella (no, not the parrot) in Queensland where I grew up and one of the things I miss most is rosella jam. In fact, I still have a homemade gadget for removing the prickly seed pods easily. It's a piece of 0.5" (2.5 cm) pipe, about 6" long (15 cms) with a sharpened end (use a file to shamfer the edge). Push the base of the mature flower head onto it and the seed pods go inside the pipe while the calyxes collect along the outside. Push them off as the pipe fills up. It's much faster and more comfortable than peeling by hand and getting little prickles in your fingers and keeps the calyxes more intact. When you've peeled them you can make beautiful jam by first boiling the seed pods to extract the pectin. Drain them and put the liquid with the calyxes, boil quickly and when soft, measure the pulp and add the same volume of sugar. Boil again until it sets. It should be clear dark red with a tart, almost plummy flavour. I also came across a delicious drink made of rosellas in Egypt years ago and I believe it is used in herbal teas. Thanks for the nostalgia trip but I wish I could grow them in Tasmania! |
RE: Hibiscus sabdariffa edible bits
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- Posted by popi NSW Aust (My Page) on
Sat, Apr 14, 07 at 3:15
| Dejaco Thanks very much for your reply ! I have one more question.....the calyxes have been red for a month or so, but the seed pod inside is still quite green/white. I assume they still are not ripe yet for picking to make jam...is this correct, or do you think I can pick the red calyxes now ? If I make some, I will send you a jar ! Thanks for your help, very interesting information. Popi |
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