Naga Hills Roselle

Scientific Name – Hibiscus Sabdariffa
Properties – Roselle has been known to prevent hypertension, lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar levels, keep the liver healthy, help with menstrual cramps, aid digestion and help with weight management. Its rich in vitamin C, contains minerals such as flavonoids and has laxative properties. Dried Roselle leaves can be used to make beautiful Roselle tea, or make a delicious tangy curry with pork or fish.

Usage – It is also one of the signature food ingredients of indigenous delicacies such as Jingtah jajewsaw in Meghalaya, Masor tenga in Assam, Gakro ghapha in Nagaland, Silot sougri Mapan Metpa in Manipur.
The flowers are also used as a dye by virtue of its bright red colour. In addition to their use in food, various parts of the roselle plant have been used in traditional medicine for the prevention of diseases.

Geography – Naga is a term for several indigenous communities in North-East India and Upper Burma. The word Naga originated as an exonym. Today, it covers a number of tribes that reside in Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh states of India, and also in Myanmar. Naga consists of 40 tribes. This roselle is grown by the Naga communities placed in Manipur state.

Method of growing – Grown as fencing along the paddy field & backyard garden. Grown in small quantities by every farmer

Time of harvest – December & January

Method of drying – Sundried after hand peeling all the calyx.