Preharvest, harvest and postharvest factors inherent to Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) crop: a review

Abstract

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is cultivated to obtain fiber from the stems, oil from the seeds, and to harvest its calyces. Currently, there is a growing interest for the calyces due to studies that have proven their functional feature as is the antioxidant effect, alluded to its anthocyanin content, and other benefits that expand its use to the pharmaceutical sector. However, there are no studies focused on relating all the factors involved in the process, from sowing and preharvesting management, to harvest, postharvesting management, distribution and the sale of dried calyces. The aim of this review is to highlight the factors involved in Roselle management such as variety, crop nutrition, sowing date, irrigation, plagues and diseases incidence and use of phytohormones. To establish the optimal time of calyces harvest, studies have been focused on determining aspects such as size, pH, dry matter content and anthocyanins at different times after blooming. As for the postharvest, the trend marked by studies is to implement improvements in the drying process of calyces and to let producers, distributors and sellers know the quality standards because much of the damage during postharvesting is associated with deficiencies in the way calyces are handled.