Discovering Roselle: The Flower Behind Jamaica Tea 🌺
Many of you might have enjoyed Jamaica at a Mexican restaurant. Surprise… you were drinking herbal tea made from edible flowers. How cool is that?
There are many types of hibiscus, and not all are edible. The variety we grow at our farm is called roselle. It is not only safe to enjoy, it is bursting with nutrients and antioxidants that support healthy bodies while tasting delicious. Here is a link to both our Regular Recipe and our Halloween version
Roselle Nutrition Highlights
Roselle naturally contains:
• Vitamin C supports immune function
• Vitamin A promotes healthy eyes and cell growth
• Powerful antioxidants help protect the body’s cells
• Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron that support bones and energy
Kid-friendly fact: Roselle is both food and medicine. Herbal tea never tasted so fun.
Why We Used Each Ingredient in Class
• Sugar gives that classic Jamaica flavor kids expect. If you want to switch it up, swap sugar with the same amount of honey for a warm, floral sweetness.
• Ginger adds a gentle spicy zing that balances the tart hibiscus.
• Cinnamon sticks bring cozy flavor, perfect for a comforting cup.
Helpful Tip: Stir sweetener into hot tea. It dissolves smoothly and tastes more even.
Growing and Harvesting Roselle
Roselle is a tropical perennial that loves warmth. It blooms in late summer through early fall.
In Cherry Valley, once temperatures drop near 40°F, the plant wilts quickly. So our harvest window is short.
We harvest the red calyces. These are the fleshy parts surrounding the seeds, and where roselle stores its best flavor and nutrients. Dry or freeze them to enjoy all year long.
Grow It or Buy It
Want to grow your own? Start seeds indoors in early spring or buy a young plant for a head start.
Local gardeners can check places like Rolling Hills Urban Nursery.
Prefer already dried? You can often find it at natural food stores like Clarks. Here is the Amazon link to the one I bought.
Yes! I’m an Amazon affiliate. When you buy through my links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — it helps support our farm school projects and free homeschool resources. Thank you for being part of our little farm community! 💚
How We Enjoy Roselle at Home
Roselle tastes amazing hot or iced. Besides traditional Jamaica, we like too add it to
• Hot tea along with rose hips, ginger, dandelion root, cinnamon, lemon peel
• Roselle flavored kombucha second ferment
Quick Tip:
Fresh calyces taste brighter and more tart. Dried store easily and are fun for year-round use.
A Bit of History to Sip On
🌺 The Journey of the Red Drink: A Story of Roselle
A long, long time ago—thousands of years before we had tea bags or fancy teapots—people in Africa were already brewing roselle tea. In the warm lands of West Africa, families would gather the bright red flowers, dry them in the sun, and steep them in water to make a tangy, refreshing drink. It was the perfect way to cool off in the tropical heat! People there discovered that the red parts of the flower, known as calyces, could be steeped in water to make a refreshing, tangy drink.
As time went on, African traders carried roselle seeds with them to new lands. Wherever they went, the hardy little plant followed. It loved the warm sun and rain, so it grew happily in other tropical places too. As time passed, the knowledge of this delicious drink traveled across the seas. When ships began traveling between Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas, roselle spread farther. In the Caribbean islands, people began calling it “sorrel”, and it became part of special holiday drinks flavored with spices like cinnamon and cloves. In Mexico, it became known as “Jamaica” (pronounced ha-MY-kah), where families still drink it cold and sweet as a favorite summertime refreshment. In Mexico, the drink became known as "agua de Jamaica," named after the island of Jamaica, and was enjoyed as a sweet and tart beverage
Today, roselle continues to be enjoyed worldwide. Its journey from the heart of Africa to the far corners of the globe is a testament to the enduring legacy of this remarkable plant and the people who carried its story with them. Historians aren’t sure exactly who first brought the seeds to each region—but we do know that people all across these tropical lands discovered the same thing: a beautiful red flower that could make a drink both delicious and healthy.
So the next time you sip your ruby-red tea, you’re tasting a piece of world history that connects families from Africa to the Caribbean to Mexico—one cup at a time. 🌺✨
At-Home Family Learning
Globe Activity
Find these places together:
• Africa
• The Caribbean
• Mexico
Talk about what makes a tropical environment and why roselle grows so well there.
Conversation Starter:
Why do you think Jamaica tea became so popular in warm, rainy places?
This encourages kids to connect climate, geography, and culture.
Mini Experiment: Create Your Own Roselle Blend
Let your young chefs and herbalists get creative.
Brew a base of roselle tea.
Mix in herbs or spices you have at home.
Ideas: rose hips, orange peel, ginger, mint, cinnamon, or anything else you have on hand.Taste and record your discoveries.
You can use this simple tracking sheet:
Add honey if the blend tastes too tart, a little sweetness and it helps round out the flavor.
Share Your Creations
We would love to see what you come up with.
Tag @k2acres so we can cheer on your young herbal tea makers. Your favorite combo might be featured in a future class or post.
Thank you for learning with us today. I hope this inspires you to explore roselle’s science, flavor, and culture at home. Whether you choose a refreshing iced drink or a cozy warm cup, roselle has a way of bringing joy to every sip.
Warmly,
Suzi
K2 Acres Farm School
