Roselle Tea (Tea made from Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Thai language – Gra-jiap น้ำกระเจี้ยบ)
The Passage Samui provides a welcome drink for all guests on check-in, this drink is a Thai traditional herbal tea known locally as Naam Gra-jiap.
For generations, the Thai people have cultivated this herb, known as Roselle in the west, and used it to make this tea which was believed to provide a host of benefits to the drinkers health.
Asian wellness drink
In other Asian countries, Roselle is used to help promote weight loss and to help with circulation problems. While some studies have been done in Asia, Roselle hasn’t been studied much in the west, the most recent research, done in Taiwan in 2007 showed a significant reduction in cholesterol for the 42 subjects who were given a daily dose.
Ribena-like taste – but better!
The drink itself has a pleasant, refreshing taste so it’s perfect for serving cold to our tired guests who have often travelled thousands of miles to reach our Koh Samui resort. Some say it’s a little like Ribena, the famous grape concentrate, but this drink made from a flower related to the Hibiscus, is rich in antioxidants and minerals especially vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamins B1, B2 and B6.
Roselle Tea with Fresh Roselle plant
Some of the benefits of Roselle Tea:
- Diuretic (helps you wee wee!)
- Helps reduce fevers
- Facilitates digestion
- Relieves colds
- Clears up blocked noses
- Reduces cholesterol
- Controls high blood pressure
- Promotes proper kidney function
- Improves skin tone
Roselle Producers
China and Thailand are the largest producers in the world and control much of the supply. Thailand has spent a lot of money on quality roselle production and their product is of superior quality, Chinese roselle is of a lower standard. The world’s best roselle comes from the Sudan, but the amount produced is low and poor processing hampers quality. Mexico, Egypt, Senegal, Tanzania, Mali and Jamaica all produce Roselle locally mainly for domestic markets.
References
Buy some dried Hibiscus to make your own!
http://www.teacuppa.com/Roselle-Tea.asp
Great recipes and photos for DIY – both fresh and dry – Great recipes and photos
http://thedeadcockroach.blogspot.com/2011/09/recipe-roselle-tea.html
