Roselle Juice

น้ำกระเจี๊ยบ

Nam Krajiab (น้ำกระเจี๊ยบ) — also called Roselle Juice or Hibiscus Flower Tea — is one of Thailand's most traditional herbal drinks, made from the deep crimson dried calyces and sepals of the Roselle plant (Hibiscus sabdariffa). The result is a strikingly beautiful ruby-red drink with a refreshingly tart, cranberry-like flavour that is both sweet and powerfully sour. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is native to West Africa but was introduced to Asia via trade routes in the 16th and 17th centuries, where it quickly became established as a culinary and medicinal plant. In Thailand it has been cultivated for centuries, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions. Thai traditional medicine has long considered Nam Krajiab a health tonic with multiple benefits: it is used to treat loss of appetite, colds, high blood pressure, fluid retention, and digestive complaints. Modern scientific research published in peer-reviewed journals has confirmed several of these properties — studies demonstrate that Roselle extract has antihypertensive effects (may lower blood pressure), anti-hyperlipidaemic properties (may reduce LDL cholesterol), anti-inflammatory activity, and significant antioxidant content due to high levels of anthocyanins and vitamin C. To prepare Nam Krajiab, dried roselle flowers are simmered in water for 8–10 minutes until a deep crimson liquid forms, then sweetened with sugar and often enhanced with a strip of pandan leaf for additional fragrance. It is served either hot as a warming tea or, more commonly in Thailand's heat, poured over ice as a refreshing cold drink. Found at every Thai market, school canteen, and restaurant, it typically costs 15–30 baht.