Ethnoknowledge About Vinagreira (roselle) (hibiscus sabdariffa l.) Among residents of Rural Communities in Maranhão, Northeast Brazil

Abstract

Objective: To understand traditional dietary practices involving Hibiscus sabdariffa L. among residents of two rural communities (Barra do Saco and Saco) in the municipality of Codó, Maranhão, Brazil.   Theoretical Framework: Ethnoknowledge is crucial for obtaining information about food plants in rural communities. Hibiscus sabdariffa L., popularly known as vinagreira (roselle), is a naturalized plant consumed as food in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil.   Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with men and women using forms, along with photographic documentation, field notes, and the guided tour technique, supplemented by bibliographic research.   Results and Conclusion: Knowledge about vinagreira is consistent among both men and women. Only the younger and greener leaves are harvested, as they impart a less bitter taste when preparing cuxá. The fruits are consumed fresh or in the form of sweets. The preparation of cuxá, a typical dish in Maranhão cuisine, is predominantly carried out by women.   Research Implications: The method of food preparation is an integral part of the traditional culture of these communities, passed down through generations. Culture, symbols, traditions, and knowledge are resilient constructs of the residents. Ethnoknowledge promotes the conservation of ethnobotanical knowledge in rural areas, elucidating the processes of human-nature interaction over time.   Originality/Value: Cultural information was successfully retrieved from rural communities through the use and knowledge of vinagreira, highlighting that these populations possess rich cultural histories and beliefs that may generate new hypotheses.