Here at ECHO North America RIC we have been growing Green Senegalese Roselle this season. This variety is often grown for its greens as opposed to the red varieties that are grown for the calyx. However, I am experimenting with harvesting and using the calyx of the Green Senegalese.
A quick flavor comparison:
The red variety sampled had a crisper and slightly sweeter calyx, whereas the green is a bit more succulent and tart. You can see the comparison below (bear in mind the red variety came from a much smaller and less healthy plant, which explains the size differential)
When harvesting the calyxes you want them to be large and full but not woody. Often, an ideal time to harvest is 2-3 days after the blossom falls off (See picture below), or 2-3 weeks after flowering.
Blossoms ready to fall off in the next day or two
Another indicator that the calyx is ready to harvest is if the seed pod inside is swollen, you can pull back the calyx and look
To harvest simply cut below the calyx. For processing, remove the seed head from the calyx.
Happy harvesting!
What are your favorite roselle calyx recipes?
Additional resources:
Growables: https://www.growables.org/informationVeg/Hibiscus.htm
EchoCommunity Roselle: Roselle | ECHOcommunity.org