What is Roselle

Nature is a very complex biosphere. People often think that they know enough about nature, but in fact, people's understanding of nature is just a drop in the ocean. Often a plant appears in front of people, and no one knows its name, its function, and other information. This shows how unfamiliar humans are to nature. Only by knowing more about nature can we live better on this earth.

For example, whether in the north or the south, you can often see a flower that looks like a skirt or a trumpet. Usually people just smile and admire it, but few people know its name if you ask. Until one day I saw it called Roselle on the Internet. So what is it?

Roselle (scientific name: Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn.), also known as Roselle, Roselle, etc., belongs to Malvaceae, Malvaceae, an annual upright herb, 2 meters high, with petioles 2-8 cm long, sparsely covered with long soft hairs; calyx cup-shaped, lavender, about 1 cm in diameter, yellow flowers, capsule ovoid, about 1.5 cm in diameter, densely covered with coarse hairs, 5 fruit valves; flowering period is between summer and autumn.

Morphological characteristics

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Main Value

Nutritional Value

Roselle is rich in protein, organic acid, vitamin C, various amino acids, a large amount of natural pigments and various minerals. The fresh calyx contains 0.93% vitamin C, 0.21% vitamin B, 0.45% protein, 1.34% ash, 1.39% pectin, 87.86% water, 0.01% carotene, 1.76% starch, and 2.55% sugar (calculated as glucose). The dried calyx contains 1% to 1.5% total anthocyanins (pigments), 10% to 15% organic acids such as citric acid and hibiscus acid, 16% reducing sugar, 3.5% to 7.9% protein, 25% other non-nitrogenous substances, 11% fiber, 12% ash and about 1% of 17 kinds of amino acids [6]. In addition, roselle extract contains reducing sugars, glycosides, phenols, a small amount of bioalkali and resins [7]. [3]

Health benefits

The hibiscus acid contained in roselle is believed to have a certain effect on the treatment of heart disease, hypertension, arteriosclerosis and other diseases. Roselle extract also contains reducing sugars, glycosides, phenols, a small amount of alkali and resins, etc. It has an antispasmodic effect on the intestines and uterine muscles, and also has an anthelmintic effect. It has an antibacterial effect on bacteria in the intestines, promotes bile secretion, reduces blood concentration and stimulates intestinal peristalsis, making it very suitable as a refreshing drink. In Egypt, calyx is widely used to treat heart and nerve diseases; in India, calyx, seeds and leaves are used as diuretics, anti-scurvy drugs and other drugs; in Senegal, roselle is recommended as a bactericide, anthelmintic and antihypertensive agent. [3] [7]

Economic Value

Roselle is an emerging food and food industry raw material. Its calyx can be made into a variety of foods. The bright roselle pigment of the calyx is a coloring agent in food.

Cultural Value

Goddess of Luo River

The term "Lotus Goddess" originated from Cao Zhi's "Ode to the Goddess of Luo River". The roselle flower is known as the "plant ruby". It has the functions of regulating and balancing blood lipids, reducing the body's fat intake, slimming the body, promoting calcium absorption, and preventing radiation and anti-oxidation. Taking the Youming Farm Roselle Tea as an example, long-term drinking can help reduce the total cholesterol and triglyceride values ​​in the human blood, achieving the effects of preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases and losing weight.

After learning the above knowledge, I found that Roselle is not only ornamental, but also has high medicinal value. Although people often see it in the streets and alleys, and although it is often ignored, it still cannot cover up its value. As the saying goes, "Gold will always shine", this sentence is not only applicable to people, but also to plants.