Sorrel

Nothing to do with the British herb of the same name, sorrel is a flower whose fleshy deep red sepal is used to make drinks, jams, jellies, chutney and sauces. Also known as rosella and flor de Jamaica, it is a small red plant belonging to the hibiscus family. The sepals are picked and soaked in water and blended with other flavourings such as ginger. Formerly only available at Christmas time, nowadays it is sold dried and in syrup form as well as fresh, so is available all year round.