Hibiscus sabdariffa
Hibiscus contributes vivid color and cranberry-like acidity to beverages, desserts, and fruit-based sauces.
Regional names
Roselle, Sorrel, Karkade
Origin
Edible calyx used for tart teas, syrups, jams, and bright savory condiments.
Native region
West Africa and tropical regions worldwide
Season
Often sold dried year-round
Food Combinations & Timing
Safe Combination Profile
It is safe to eat this food item with other food items.
Nutritional profile
Calories
37 kcal / 100 g
Protein
0.4 g
Carbs
9.7 g
Fat
0.6 g
Fiber
0.3 g
Water content
Typically infused rather than eaten in volume
Glycemic index
Low in unsweetened infusions
Vitamins
Minerals
Health benefits
Evidence-aligned highlights
Flavor notes
Tart, Berry-like, Floral
Texture
Soft after simmering, papery when dry
Aroma
Tangy floral aroma
Pairings
Lime, Ginger, Maple syrup, Berries, Mint
Safety & toxicity
Edible parts
Food-safe dried calyxes, Infusions, Syrups made from culinary hibiscus
Toxic or risky parts
Non-culinary ornamental flowers should not be assumed edible
Raw vs cooked
Usually steeped, simmered, or reduced into syrup rather than eaten raw in large amounts.
Allergies & intolerances
Flower or herbal tea sensitivities are possible but uncommon.
Drug interactions
Large concentrated intakes may matter for people on blood pressure or glucose medicines.
Safe daily limit
Normal tea or syrup servings are fine for most adults.
Who should avoid & how to handle it
Who should avoid or moderate
Preparation & storage
Cuisine & cultural use
Common cuisines
Hibiscus appears in Caribbean, Mexican, West African, Middle Eastern beverages, often because its flavor structure and prep speed fit both everyday cooking and ceremonial dishes.
Dynamic Substitutions
No alternatives recorded for this specific item. It is chemically or botanically unique in the database.
🌱 Cultivation & Production
Learn how to grow and cultivate hibiscus at home, whether you live in an urban apartment or have access to outdoor garden land.
Apartment Friendly
✗ Not Ideal for Apartments
Urban Space Advice
Not recommended for apartments unless using specialized dwarf varieties in large, heavy pots.
Difficulty
Hard
Propagation
Grafting (commercial propagation) or seeds (slower growth).
Soil Type
Deep, well-draining garden soil
Watering
Deep watering once a week
Sunlight
Full sun (8+ hours daily)
Best Season
Spring planting; fruits in Summer/Autumn
Step-by-Step Growing Guide
For garden planting: Choose a sunny spot with deep, fertile, well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as the container.
Water deeply once a week, especially during the first two years and during fruiting.
Prune annually in late winter to remove dead wood and shape the tree for sun exposure.
Quick recipes
Snack
Chewy candied hibiscus flowers tossed with raw Brazil nuts and toasted almond meal.
Ingredients
Nutrition
Preparation Steps
