Dried Hibiscus

Dried hibiscus is the crimson calyx of the roselle flower, and it turns any water it touches a brilliant ruby red. Its tart, cranberry like flavour is just as delicious over ice as it is hot.

Brew the perfect cup

1. MeasureUse 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus for each 250ml cup.
2. SteepPour over freshly boiled water and leave for 5 to 6 minutes. Steep a little longer for a deeper colour and a sharper tang.
3. SweetenA little honey or sugar balances the tartness beautifully. Add fresh mint, a slice of lemon or a few slices of ginger if you like.

Six ways to enjoy it

• Hot infusionEnjoy it on its own, or warm it with ginger and cloves for a spiced winter cup.
• Iced hibiscusKnown in Mexico and Central America as agua de jamaica, sweetened hibiscus served ice cold is the ultimate summer refresher.
• KarkadehIn Egypt and Sudan, hibiscus tea is called karkadeh and is enjoyed both hot and chilled.
• Bissap and sorrelAcross West Africa it becomes bissap or zobo, and in the Caribbean it is known as sorrel, often flavoured with ginger and spices.
• With sun dried limesCrack a sun dried lime into the pot for a bright citrus twist, the same partnership behind our Hibiscus Sunset.
• Syrups and dessertsSimmer it with sugar into a ruby syrup to drizzle over ice cream, or to colour and flavour mocktails and cocktails.

How much to use

• A cup of tea1 to 2 teaspoons
• A teapot for 44 to 6 teaspoons
• A litre jug, iced4 to 8 teaspoons
• Steeping time5 to 6 minutes

Good to know: hibiscus has a powerful natural colour, so take care around light coloured fabrics and rinse cups promptly.

Hibiscus has been enjoyed for generations across Africa, the Middle East and the Americas, and scientists continue to study it closely. Here is what the research has found so far.

Health benefits in research

• Blood pressureIn a 2010 trial, 65 adults with slightly raised blood pressure drank three cups of hibiscus tea a day for six weeks. Their systolic blood pressure fell by 7.2 mmHg, compared with 1.3 mmHg for those drinking a placebo.
• Backed by reviewsA 2015 review of five randomised trials involving 390 people found that hibiscus significantly lowered both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
• CholesterolA 2020 review of nine randomised trials found that hibiscus reduced total and LDL cholesterol, although it did not lower triglycerides.
• Rich in anthocyaninsHibiscus owes its ruby colour to anthocyanins and other flavonoids, natural plant compounds that act as antioxidants.
• Naturally caffeine freeHibiscus contains no caffeine, so it can be enjoyed at any time of day.

Many of these studies were small and short, and researchers agree that larger, longer studies are still needed.

One flower, many names

Hibiscus tea is made from the calyces of the roselle plant, Hibiscus sabdariffa. It is karkadeh in Egypt and Sudan, bissap in Senegal, zobo in Nigeria, agua de jamaica in Mexico and sorrel in the Caribbean, a much loved drink around the world.

Enjoy it wisely

• CaffeineNone, naturally
• Blood pressure medicationSpeak to your doctor first
• Pregnancy and breastfeedingBest avoided
• In the studiesUp to three cups a day

Please note: dried hibiscus is a food, not a medicine, and this information is not medical advice. Hibiscus can lower blood pressure and may interact with some medicines, so if you are taking medication or managing a health condition, speak to your doctor before drinking it regularly.