Hibiscus sabdariffa, or Rosella, is a bushy plant said to have originated in Africa. It is now widely naturalized in tropical India and Southeast Asia. The seeds are a great source of protein, fat as well as natural total sugars. Here at Solitude we have a fair amount of Rosella growing, and it seems to be propagating itself quite successfully year after year, producing and dropping large numbers of seeds. We have also noticed this plant in other gardens around our Bioregion.

Rosella seed oil has been known to exhibit antimicrobial effects, inhibiting the growth of some infection causing bacteria. The oil has also shown anthelmintic properties, which may help in expelling parasites from the body. The seeds have also shown potential to increase breast milk production.

In Sudan they make a meat substitute called Furundu out of the Rosella seeds. The base for Furundu is prepared by cooking the seeds and then fermenting that for 9 days. Fermented Rosella seeds seem to have other uses too in the manufacture of high protein, vegetarian food condiments.

Rosella seeds are also roasted and ground into a powder to be then used in soups and sauces to give them a richness. This powder can also be used as a substitute for Coffee that is said to have aphrodisiac properties!

A little knowledge, coupled with a little exploration can go a long way. Nature has so much to offer us right at our doorstep, when we are even ever so slightly proactive in making use of the abundance she brings forth. The Road back to Nature is dotted with hidden gems, in the most unexpected places!