224 
PRESERVATION, OF ROSELLE FRUIT. 
An article in the Natal Agricultural Journal entitled 'The Ro- 
selle or Jamaica Sorrel' {Hibiscus sabdariifa) , gives the following 
note on the preservation of the fruits : 
The roselle is well adapted for jam-making, giving a palatable, 
easily-kept product if put up in earthenware or glass. Un- 
fortunately the fruits contain an acid principle which precludes 
them being put up as preserves in ordinary tinware, and hence 
some failures have been experienced in this respect. For pickles 
the fruit is well adapted, and it makes an excellent condiment. 
It has been found that the best method of handling the fruit is 
to dry it after the removal of the seed pod. The dried fruit has 
been kept in jars and tins for two or three years in good order. 
The first preparation that is necessary is the cutting off of the 
stem of the fruit, and the basal end of the calyx [the calyx is the 
red-colored edible portion] to where the seed pod is united with 
the calyx, when a gentle pressure with the fingers will force out 
the seed pod. Then the fruit should be placed in some roomy, 
airy position (not necessarily in the sun), in trays or on sheets 
on the floor, allowing as much air to pass through and over the 
fruit as possible. In a few days all superfluous moisture will 
have evaporated, and the dried article can be packed away in 
jars. By this means roselles can be had in good condition all the 
year round. All that is needful, when required for use for jam, 
tarts, etc., is to take the quantity necessary and pour over the 
fruit a little water, when it will absorb the moisture and resolve 
itself into apparently fresh fruit. The large grower has in this 
method a certain way of keeping such surplus fruit as may not 
be in immediate demand, or which, on account of low ruling 
prices, he may not wish at the moment to put on the market. 
Fruit put up in this form might be successfully exported to the 
London market. 
PUBLICATION DATE. 
Arrangements are being made by which the date of publication 
of the Forester will be more regular than has hitherto been pos- 
sible. It is intended in future to go to press on the tenth of each 
month, in order that the paper may appear upon the twentieth. 
