What is Sorrel and how does it taste?
What is sorrel and how does it taste?
Sorrel is the name we call both the flower and the drink we make from it. One of our favorite memories from living in Trinidad is seeing trucks parked at the side of the highway, piled high with the dried flowers, with signs advertising the price per pound. In the markets, mounds of deep red sorrel topped almost every counter, ready to be brewed into a celebratory Christmas drink. It was one of those seasonal signs that would tell us the holidays were coming! But these days, here in New York, we don’t have to wait for December to enjoy the sweet tartness of this festive beverage. Sorrel is growing in popularity throughout the US, and you can find it any month of the year. At Island Pops, we make Sorrel Rum Sorbet and Sorrel Ice Pops, best-selling flavors!
While having sorrel with our Christmas meal is a beloved holiday tradition in the West Indies, it might be a new taste for many of you. We thought we would break it down so you learn about this delicious brew, and try some yourself!
Is Sorrel the same as Hibiscus?
You’ve probably heard of sorrel by other names. In Latin America, particularly Mexico, the flower is referred to as flor de Jamaica, and the drink is called Agua de flor de Jamaica. You might have also heard of it being called roselle, which is its African reference. In the Caribbean, the popular terms are hibiscus or sorrel, as it is made from the hibiscus sabdariffa flower. The plant is native to India, but can grow as an annual in all climates. The fleshy, red calyxes that surround the base of the flowers are what we brew to make sorrel, the drink.
Now don’t confuse this with sorrel, the herb. There is a green leafy plant, used as a lemony sour herb or a vegetable, also called sorrel. It is not the same thing. The sorrel we are talking about here, is the outer part of a hibiscus flower, and it is distinctly blood red in color.
What does sorrel taste like?
Sorrel has a vibrant tart flavor similar to cranberries or currants. It is most often served as a sweet tea over ice, though you can have it hot too. The flower is edible, and can make a bright addition to salads. The tea is made by boiling the dried hibiscus in water with different spices, and sweetening it with sugar. Trust us when we say there ain’t no skimping on the sugar. Different cultures prepare their sorrel differently, putting their own special twist on it. Jamaicans are famous for adding ginger into the mix. Trinidadians aim for an opaque finished product, ensuring that you can’t see through it in a glass. Cinnamon and clove are quite common ingredients across the board. Citrus like lime, lemon or orange may also be added to the brew. Some people add rum (because, why not?), while some leave it virgin. The sorrel flavor lends itself nicely to jams and jellies too. Salad dressings can also be made with sorrel reductions. In Trinidad, there is even a popular shandy made with sorrel.
Health benefits of sorrel
Sorrel isn’t just yummy, it’s good for you too! There are several benefits to having sorrel, but keep in mind that the amount of sugar you add could influence your health as well.
Sorrel or Hibiscus is high in antioxidants, and based on research may lower blood pressure and blood fat levels, and boost liver health. Due to its polyphenols, it may fight off a range of infections from pneumonias to UTIs, as well as even prevent cancer. We were satisfied with its refreshing taste, but this is a great bonus!
We have Sorrel at Island Pops!
If you can’t tell by now, we LOVE sorrel at Island Pops. We love it so much that we have a Sorrel rum sorbet (yes, made with real rum), as well as a Sorrel ice pops on our menu. After learning all about sorrel on our blog we bet you’re eager to try it, so we’ve made it easy for you to order or pick up! We ship nationwide, or locally in New York. Of course we always love to meet you in person, so you are more than welcome to drop by the shop at 680 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn to have a scoop with us!