So, its roselle's turn!

Kakak, the eldest daughter came over for a weekend with her husband and two of her own. Kakdah, kakak's mother or bangchik's wife was so happy. Kakak brought with her roselle seeds all the way from Kedah. She said, those were taken from her neighbor's plant. I germinated a few and surprisingly roots appear the next day and within 3 days, the leaves opened up!... I had grown them in rows where our tomato plants used to be, sharing the little bed with other veggies ....

It is true how fresh seeds result in excellent germination. Roselles are fine example. Seeds bought in little packets from stores has varying success. My attempt at sunflowers was total failure. ... Yes, we are learning all the time...

So, roselle growing will add to the glossary of plants and gardening experience in our little vegetable garden in Putrajaya.

roselle
still in little pots

roselle
in raised bed, going to 3rd leaves.

roselle
all of them

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Some basic information

I can never imagine,
roselles are grown in large plantation
as far as eyes can see.

roselle

Background information.

1. Story of Roselle

Traditionally, Roselle (of the Hibiscus family and also known as Hibiscus Sabdariffa) was used in teas or mixed with other herbs to be served as a hot drink or health tonic.

Roselle Farms began a development programme in Australia that resulted in several innovative and exciting new products. These products are Nature's New Ingredients for the Food, Drink and Dairy Industries.

Roselle Farms identified Malaysia as having the optimal growing conditions and variety of Hibiscus for producing world-class quality products. To ensure natural goodness is retained, the Company practices Best Farm Management where no pesticides or herbicides are used during the growing cycle ~ ROSELLE FARMS

2. Roselle, My cup of Zing

Like other hibiscus, this robust shrub is easy to grow. Its lovely pale blossoms tinged with pink are a favorite of those big black carpenter bees, but I don’t mind sharing. I’m after only the calyx, which makes a delicious tea – it’s the main ingredient in the Red Zinger you buy in the store, and it’s used in favorite beverages all over the world. ~ HAWAII GARDENING: Roselle, My Cup of Zing

3. Roselle

The flowers aren’t noticeable, or at least not like most of the more showy hibiscus blossoms. Modest, two-to three-inch diameter flowers, off-white to pale yellow, open daily, then quickly turn into seed pods. It’s the calyx, the covering of the seed pod which is the red, fleshy part, that is used for flavoring and cooking. The flowers can be added to salads and even the leaves have the pleasantly sour flavor, so you can gather the smaller, tender leaves to use in salads. The calyxes are gathered while still plump and crisp, into baskets to dry. If left on the plant, the flavor and coloring agents disappear as the seeds ripen, so the harvesting has to be done every few days as the flowering continues. Once dried, the deep, red calyxes can be kept stored in airtight containers for months, even years, until ready for use. ~ Roselle by Jim Long

4. Roselle calyxses

The row of Roselle plants are fruiting with these lovely red calyxes. I havn't tried making a drink with them cos' I heard that they are pretty tangy sour. I know anything that's sour has lots of Vitamin C. I will collect one to try soon. I also heard that the leaves can be eaten in a salad and they taste a bit tangy too. Now wait till I make my salad first. ~ Roselle Calyxes