Tesi Johnson, Gleaner Writer
Sorrel Mint Dip was served with the hors d'oeuvres at the launch of Organic Thinkers' 'Real Jamaican Sorrel' - WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
A NEW product, Real Jamaican Sorrel by Organic Thinkers Limited, was officially launched on June 27, at the Hilton Kingston hotel, Knustford Boulevard, New Kingston.
Organic Thinkers Limited, as their name suggests, uses only organically grown crop to make the sorrel juice, sorrel roots herbal drink and sorrel jam that they produce under the banner 'Real Jamaican Sorrel'. The sorrel juice, they promise, is "the closest thing to home-made sorrel being sold commercially." The jam is a delightful twist on the traditional use of sorrel; and the roots herbal drink is a concentrated version of the juice with added medina and pimento that is fermented over a 14-day period.
At the launch, the general manager of Organic Thinkers, Mark Redguard, outlined some of the medicinal properties of sorrel. He noted that the plant is a "natural protector of health," as studies have shown it to possess a number of cancer-fighting antioxidants. He also explained that scientific studies have thus far shown sorrel to decrease elevated hypertension, without any known side effects.
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It is also said to decrease the levels of bad cholesterol in the body. With this, Mr. Redguard noted that the sorrel products are not only tasty but are also healthful options for consumers. He further explained that Jamaican sorrel has the potential to become a world-renowned ambassador for Jamaica in the same way that Blue Mountain Coffee represents Jamaica. "Our intention is to treat sorrel like a Jamaican brand," he says. So, Organic Thinkers will soon be focusing on exporting the products to the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Former banker-turned lecturer, Fay Jacobs, shone light on the business aspect of the product line as she commented on some difficulties, such as high cost of capital, that limit the potential of local small businesses like Organic Thinkers. She went on to describe the launch of Real Jamaican Sorrel as "an especially proud moment for Organic Thinkers Limited" and saluted them "for the spirit of entrepreneurship displayed in your products."
The launch culminated with guests feasting on hors d'oeuvres served with sorrel mixes such as sorrel and rum, sorrel cooler, and coconut rum and sorrel. The sorrel mint jelly that was served as a condiment with the hors d'oeuvres was a crowd-pleaser and a delightful example of the versatility of the sorrel jam.
