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Dried hibiscus flowers

Drinks & liquids · Herbal teas

Dried hibiscus flowers

Dried deep-red hibiscus (roselle) calyces, steeped into tart drinks such as agua de jamaica, bissap and karkade.

Also called: hibiscus, roselle, sorrel (Caribbean), flor de jamaica, bissap, karkade, zobo leaves

Around the world: karkadeh, كركديه (ar) · bissap (wo) · flor de jamaica (es) · zobo (ha)

5 recipes with it

Photo: Fumikas Sagisavas, via Wikimedia Commons (CC0-1.0)

What it is

The dried, papery calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle), sold as crumpled deep-crimson pieces. Steeped in water they make a tart, cranberry-like infusion drunk hot or cold, usually sweetened. Despite some names (sorrel, 'bissap leaves'), it is the flower part, not leaves, and not the ornamental garden hibiscus.

Hibiscus sabdariffa

How it’s used

  • Agua de jamaica (Mexico)
  • Bissap (West Africa) and karkade (Egypt, Sudan)
  • Caribbean sorrel drink with ginger and spices
  • Syrups, jellies and sorbets
  • Tacos de jamaica (rehydrated calyces)

Characteristics

Taste
Tart, fruity and slightly floral; caffeine-free.
Aroma
Fruity and floral.
Appearance
Dark crimson dried calyces; brews a ruby-red liquid.
When cooked
Releases colour quickly; long steeping makes it more sour. Stains surfaces.
Sold as
dried
Cooking uses
Suitable for boiling, Usually eaten raw

Storage

Cool, dry and dark. Keep airtight away from light and moisture; colour and flavour fade over time.

Diet, allergens and safety

No major allergens in typical versions.

  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Dairy-free
  • Egg-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Nut-free
  • Soy-free
  • Caffeine-free
  • Caffeine-free. Its acidity can stain and react with aluminium pans; use stainless steel or enamel.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy
49 kcal
Protein
0.96 g
Carbohydrate
11.31 g
Fat
0.64 g
Fibre
— g
Sugars
— g

USDA FoodData Central: Roselle, raw (a close stand-in).

Substitutes

Optional — what works if you don’t have it, and how it changes the dish.

  • Herbal tea — Hibiscus-based fruit tea bags; weaker colour and flavour.

Related ingredients

Recipes with dried hibiscus flowers

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