The Unassuming Weed: A Tasty Treat Now Selling at 90,000 VND per kg.

14 January, 2025

Roselle, scientifically known as *Hibiscus sabdariffa* L. and belonging to the mallow family (Malvaceae), is a shrub with a distinctive purple-red stem, growing to heights between 1.5 and 2 meters. Native to Central America and North Africa, it is often mistaken for red artichoke, but they are distinct species. The ovate leaves vary in color from dark green to red and are usually alternate, glossy, and long-stalked. Roselle blooms from July to October, and its flowers are used to make a tangy, refreshing drink, popular in the hot summer months.

Wild Roselle Growing Along Fences and Hedges in Vietnam

Common in rural areas of Vietnam, especially in the central and southwestern regions, roselle was once a wild plant but is now cultivated for its ornamental value. The leaves are a favorite ingredient in summer dishes, adding a mild sourness and a unique aroma to salads, sour soups with fish, beef stir-fries, and more. They can also be pickled and served as a side dish, enhancing the meal with a burst of flavor.

> “I vividly remember the summers, with roselle bushes growing along the fence, their young shoots used by my mother to cook sour fish stew or soup. Of all the sour leaves and fruits, I’ve always loved the fragrance and subtle sourness of roselle leaves. My absolute favorite is sour soup made with snakehead fish and roselle leaves. For the ultimate flavor, choose wild snakehead fish, although they are becoming rarer these days. Farmed snakehead fish just don’t have the same sweetness and firmness. Don’t forget to serve the soup with a side of pure chili fish sauce to enhance the flavors. During the hot summer days, the refreshing sourness of this soup not only cools you down but also has an effective heat-clearing effect.” – Ngọc, a local from Khánh Hòa province.

Roselle Leaves Can Be Eaten Raw with Dips or Cooked in Various Dishes

Beyond the leaves, the vibrant red flowers of roselle are edible and highly versatile. They are used to make sour soup, jams, and syrups, or dried to create a delicate herbal tea with a wild grass-like fragrance. Scientific studies have shown that roselle flowers contain a range of beneficial vitamins and have positive effects on health issues such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes.

Currently, roselle leaves are sold on e-commerce platforms for around 70,000 VND per kilogram, while the buds have become a specialty product, available in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for approximately 90,000 VND per kilogram.

Many households are cultivating roselle as a way to increase their income. This shrub thrives in the climate and soil conditions of Vietnam’s mountainous and midland regions, particularly in the central provinces. Farmers simply sow the seeds and let the plants grow naturally, requiring minimal irrigation or maintenance. As a result, roselle leaves and flowers are now available in urban areas, providing city dwellers with easy access to this delicious and healthy product.