Sorrel Tea by Ann Marie

“Cooking Up Feminism” participant Ann Marie surprised us with the very festive and refreshing Sorrel Tea, and I was instantaneously transported to the warm homes of beloved Jamaican friends who always share Sorrel over the winter holidays. Sorrel is a versatile, unique drink that can be served hot or cold, and is a staple in most Jamaican homes, especially during Christmas time. The floral scents and deep red pigments evoke imagery of a leisurely stroll through a lush garden. Related to the Hibiscus tree, Sorrel’s dried form is used to brew this traditional Sorrel drink. The addition of ginger adds spicy undertones to the tart, crimson flavours that stain the lips and tongue with utter delight.

Apart from being served and enjoyed in drink form, Sorrel can also be transformed into equally delicious syrups, jams and jellies. Ann Marie recalls her childhood and Christmas holidays celebrated at family gatherings where the elders would brew one batch of Sorrel drinks for the adults, infused with alcohol, such as rum, and a children’s version that was sweetened and served without alcohol. I remember my first encounter with alcohol when my father gave me a glass of Sorrel with rum in it and warned, that I could only have it when he was around. Ann Marie’s eyes lit up with joy as she reminisced over festive holidays with her family. Apart from the enjoyment factor, Ann Marie also shared that the health benefits of the Sorrel drink are now being researched and lauded worldwide. Not only is the drink packed with Vitamin C, but it can help alleviate hypertension symptoms and inflammation. We are reminded, yet again, that in many of our ethnic food cultures, food is not approached through the lens of hyper-consumerism, monetary profit and commodification, but rather as a source of healing, for the mind, body and soul. Food is emotional sustenance. Food is medicine.

Ingredients

• 6-8 dried sorrel flowers

• 1 inch fresh ginger, smashed

• 3-4 whole allspice berries

• 2 ½ cups of water

• Sweetener of your choice

Instructions

• Combine all of the ingredients (except the sweetener) and bring to a boil

• Remove from heat after 2 mins of boiling

• Steep for 3-5 mins, or as desired

• Sweeten as desired

• Serve hot or cold