Roselle flower power

CEBU, Philippines - Who would have thought that an herb cultivated since 1905 in the Philippines, particularly in Negros Island, would still tickle the fancy of food tasters during the Natural and Organic Food Market Encounter last July 11 at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel in relation to the Cebu Business Month?

Cultured primarily for the fiber obtained from its stems, the Roselle plant has grown to expose itself as not only a substitute for jute in the manufacture of burlap but a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, anthocyanins, flavonoids, antioxidants, and fiber.

In fact, in traditional medicine, Roselle is valued as a treatment for several ailments such as hypertension and urinary tract infections, for cardiac and nerve diseases; in lowering blood pressure (antihypertensive); and regarded as a diuretic.

To help us experience the power of nature in an edible flower, Daily Apple Nutraceuticals & Health Foods in Bacolod City joins in the growing global movement to return to nature and tap its healing powers. This is done in close coordination with Herbanext Laboratories Inc. which successfully cultivated the Roselle in its research farm in Negros using only organic inputs, developing various food products - from snack packs and sweet chips to 1.5-gram tea bags, and even jams.

Hibiscus sabdariffa

Roselle belongs to the Hibiscus family, and very attractive with deep red sepals that are bursting with flavonoids and antioxidants. So this comes to show that hibiscuses are not only limited to gumamelas. While the latter are used to improve consistency of powder detergents in producing bubbles for childplay purposes, the former is designed for the meal table - as souring agent, syrup, tea, champagne garnish, as appetizer (salads), desserts (candied stuff), as refreshing drink (sorrel beverage, agua de jamaica), to name a few.

During the exhibit, it was learned that nutritionists have found Roselle calyces to be high in calcium, niacin, riboflavin, and iron.

There were freshly picked calyces offered us during the event. It took a good few seconds of chewing before the tartiness sank in my palate. Meanwhile, the candied sepals are a winner!

Since research pointed out that Roselle contains high levels of natural Vitamin C, we moved on to try a handful of Roselle fiber strips which are also said to be high in fiber and therefore a nutritious snack food.

The fiber strips, resembling bits of shaved choco bar, are made from the pulp of naturally grown Roselle preserved by drying thin layers in an oven with the addition of muscovado sugar.

Daily Apple Store mentioned that the pulp of Roselle has very high fiber content (34 percent of its dried weight). Its high nutritional value and enjoyable taste make it an ideal snack food for people who are active and who live a healthy lifestyle.

What is dietary fiber?

Dietary fiber, also known as roughage or bulk, includes all parts of plant foods that our body can't digest or absorb.

Daily Apple pointed out that fiber isn't digested by our body. It passes relatively intact through our stomach, small intestine, colon, and out of our body. Fiber is classified into two categories: insoluble (doesn't dissolve in water) and soluble (those that do). Insoluble fiber promotes the movement of material through our digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation or irregular stools. Roselle fiber strips are high in insoluble fiber.

As for the Roselle jam, the mixture of sweet and tart flavors makes it an irresistible complement to any bread or cracker.