Friday, March 23, 2012

Roselle beyond juice and jam.

An email from Mr Ng caught me by surprise. Mr Ng, one of the food processing research group from local university nearby, is looking for a few kilos of  fresh roselle supply for research.  It's interesting to know how blogging connects people well, gardener and researchers. I know Andrea from the Philippines is a horticulturist and now is Mr Ng a food processing researcher. Last year a group of students from University Kelantan Malaysia came to our house in Tanah Merah for roselle seedlings for their entrepreneurial program. So, gardening world is not limited to relationship between man and plant but between man and man also.




Ng mentioned about roselle having anthocyanin , being one of the most beneficial content in roselle. The research team is currently looking into the preservation of anthocyanin after going through drying process. They are comparing the sterilisation effect between common drying methods and their new technique. Tengku Nadzion who is currently involved with 2000 cili project will look into it, and embark on strategic collaboration that will benefit both parties. In the meantime Suzana who is steering the overall entrepreneurial programs will not miss the opportunity of bringing up programs beyond the basics. I hope Bakar will take his team and serat nenas project or pina in Philippines around the whole spectrum:- cultivation, production, marketing, fiber extraction, clothes, souvenir items etc that will eventually benefit the whole community of Pontian.

roselle flower
The fruits are undoubtedly benefitial to us, but the flowers are equally good
so beautiful, pinkish creamy colour that will sooths tired eyes.
And the flowers are good from any angle.


roselle flower

roselle flower

roselle flower

roselle flower

roselle flower
Roselle growing at the backyard of our house, will soon find it's way to the food processing research center in a nearby university. I am happy to see home gardening evolves into the depth of academia that will benefit mankind in many ways.

The future of roselle
We germinated a lot of roselles recently, now in black polybags. It's about 100. They would be used as the next batch to replace the current ones, and some would be issued out as giveaways .

100 roselle seedlings waiting.
roselle has every potential
to brighten up anybody's garden. the flowers are beautiful,
and the fruits are tasty as juice and jam.


bangchik and kakdah
johor


15 comments:

  1. It will be interesting to read how these researchers get on with their research into the roselle! Your photos are lovely!

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    1. These researchers look into all aspects, we gardeners try all out to make sure plants grow well, with jumbo harvest! Pictures were taken early in the morning when plants generally look most fresh and romantic

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  2. Hope the roselle 'fever'catches on. I must try to clear some other plants for roselle in my garden.Sunlight is paramount.

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    1. yea, roselle with such feminine name, lovely flowers, bright red fruits and nice healthy juice and jam as reward... you should grow!

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  3. Bangchik, what a worthwhile project! I wish Ng and the team will find success in their research. Keep up the good job. Happy gardening!!

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    1. steph..... i do gardening for fun. whatever that comes out from it, is always a bonus.

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  4. How wonderful to be involved in this research. I agree, the delicate pink flowers are very pretty.

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    1. It's nice to see gardening in such connectivity: gardeners, researchers, and business around it.

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  5. The research sounds very interesting. I have never heard of Roselle - don't think it is grown in the UK - though maybe we give it another name
    Best wishes
    Maureen

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    1. maureen
      roselle is a tropical plant, close cousin of hibiscus and okra.

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  6. apa kapa, Sorry for not visiting you for a long time. Air Asia stop coming to NZ LOL.

    You bring me memories of my parents and then my own roselle plants.

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    1. Kabar Baik..... wouldn't it nice if memories can be rekindled once in a while....

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  7. Roselle leaves are also used in South India to make tasty chutney.

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  8. lotusleaf...
    roselle shoots are sold in abundance over here at the fresh market.

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  9. you better try growing roselle, it will require space like hibiscus. But it will definitely add colour to your garden!

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