Traditional wassailing, caroling from house to house with your hot, mulled cider, known as wassail, is not typically practiced in our southwest, subtropical, warm climate. Instead, we may want to enjoy a tradition from our Caribbean neighbors who celebrate the holiday season with a sweet, spicy, iced, Jamaican Sorrel drink.

This rich, deep red-colored drink is made from the calyces of the Roselle plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa. The calyx is the cup-shaped base of the flower which holds the maturing bud. Once harvested, the calyces are steeped overnight with ginger, cloves and allspice berries. Add a simple syrup to create the base for several tasty beverages including juice, wine or a rum cocktail.

The red calyces of the Roselle flower can be found in markets which feature ethnic groceries or, better yet, can be grown in your garden. Hibiscus sabdariffa is also known as Real Roselle, Cranberry Hibiscus, Jamaican Sorrel and the Florida Cranberry. It is an annual shrub which grows from 5-7 feet tall. Its green leaves are narrow and lance-shaped. The funnel-shaped flower is usually a yellowish color with a deep, dark center. The calyces are typically harvested in October or November when young, rounded and full.

They are gathered not only for the Jamaican Sorrel drink but also for making jams, or substituted for cranberries in a cranberry sauce, or rhubarb in a pie. The seeds of the plant are very high in protein and can be collected and crushed for use in soups and salads or roasted and brewed like coffee.

The Real Roselle plant is often mistaken for False Roselle, Hibiscus acetosella. False Roselle is a perennial bush which grows from 3-5 feet tall and 30 inches wide. Its leaves are reddish-maroon and shaped similarly to a maple leaf. The leaves are tart and flavorful in salads and stir fries. The flowers are typically pink in color, contrasting nicely with the deep, red leaves, adding color to your landscape. The flowers are edible; however, they lack flavor and are used more for decoration.

Both Real Roselle and False Roselle thrive in a warm climate. Zones 9 & 10 are best. They can be grown in containers in more northern zones but will die back in a freeze. Both prefer full sun and a rich, well-draining soil and do not like wet feet. They are sensitive to drought and require watering during the dry season. The plants will reseed and return in the spring. Nematodes are a common problem which can be resolved through crop rotation or container planting.

Real Roselle and False Roselle are wonderful additions to your edible garden. Not only will they add color to your landscape, they will brighten your holiday table and delight your palate. Whether you choose to “come a-wassailing among the leaves so green” or within your festive homes, consider adding the colorful Jamaican Sorrel to your celebratory libations.

Cheers!

Deborah Haggett is a Lee County Master Gardener Volunteer and a member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral. Visit us at www.gardenclubofcapecoral.com.