It’s Fresh, Red, and Super Rich and Refreshing. It’s time for some Sorrel.

Sorrel is a drink that’s pretty popular in the Caribbean during the Christmas holiday.  I personally love it all times of the year!  Thanks to Aunt Shirley, I’ve added another recipe to my book for this season when I bring home the nostalgia to hubby for Thanksgiving and Christmas at the least – if not a “just because” moment when I see the dried or fresh sorrel available and at a decent price at the Dekalb Farmers Market or other local Caribbean markets (like Tammax Carribbean Market on Hwy 124 in Snellville.

Outside of the heightened requests for a bottle of Sorrel around holidays and celebrations for its spicy yumminess, Sorrel ALSO has its health benefits from the fruit or its leaves, and the ingredients steeped along with it. Cultures around the world have been growing and using sorrel for centuries, in everything from soups and salads to vegetable side dishes and the creation of strong tea.

Some of the health benefits of sorrel include its ability to boost eyesight, strengthen the immune system, improve digestion, build strong bones, increase circulation, increase energy levels, help prevent cancer, reduce certain skin conditions, lower blood pressure, slow the aging process, protect against diabetes, strengthen heart health, and improve kidney health.  If you want more of those details see these links…

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrel
http://www.livestrong.com/article/479983-the-herbal-benefits-of-sorrel/
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/sorrel.html
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/surprising-health-benefits-of-sorrel-leaves/

But enough of that….
Read on to see how to prepare this treat.  Its pretty simple…

Prep, Boil, Steep, Cool, Sweeten, Serve!

Ingredients:

• 2 Cups Dried Sorrel
• 8 Cups of Water
• 1 Cinnamon Stick (honestly, I use 2)
• 4-6 cloves (whole… make that 8 to 10 if you want the kick)
• Thick slice of ginger (maybe 2-3 inches) skinned, cut, chopped, or sliced
• Sugar to sweeten (your choice, white or brown, 1 or more cups… I use brown)
• Just a squeeze of half a lemon
• And a shot of dark Rum or Falernum, depending on your guests.
  Note: I skip this to keep it “family friendly,” especially since my Little ones love Sorrel more than the average kids.)

(Double the recipe as you desire)

Directions are Simple:

• Boil the water
• Add all remaining ingredients (except the lemon, sugar, and rum)
• Cover and Lightly Boil for 15 minutes in a BIG POT.
• Remove from heat and let it steep. (I do so overnight… so 8-24 hours)
• Strain into a large container.  (Use a cheese cloth if you have it) Squeeze all that goodness out.
• Add Lemon, Sugar, and Rum to Taste.
• Pour in a Bottle, Pitcher, or other Container.
• Chill in the Fridge.
• Serve, and Enjoy!

Final notes… Make it your own! 
Some like it sweeter (add more sugar).
Some like it stronger (add more ginger or cloves).
Some like it STRONGER (add more rum.. LOL).
It’s yours for the tasting.

Enjoy Responsibly!

… Hugs…