Ingredient
Also called Roselle
Deep crimson calyces that turn tea ruby-red, with a bright cranberry tartness.
Deep crimson calyces that turn tea ruby-red, with a bright cranberry tartness.
Hibiscus brings a tart, ruby colour and brightens floral blends. It appears in Howl at the Moon.
In the kitchen
Steep 1–2 teaspoons dried calyces per cup for 5 minutes. It turns ruby red and quite tart.
Cold-steep overnight, sweeten lightly and serve over ice — a classic agua de jamaica.
Fresh calyces are edible and tart. Chop into salads or salsas.
Simmer into syrups, jams or sauces. Leftover steeped calyces can be cooked into tacos or chutney.
Simmer with sugar and water for a bright syrup for drinks and desserts.
May lower blood pressure. Avoid during pregnancy, and check with your practitioner if you take blood pressure medicine.
Garden & lore
Spring
Start roselle seeds indoors in early spring. It needs warmth to grow.
Summer
Plant out after the last frost in full sun and water well.
Fall
Harvest the plump red calyces after the flowers drop, before the pods dry.
Winter
Grow as an annual in cold climates; store dried calyces in a jar.
Vivid and generous, hibiscus is a Venus flower — joy, sensuality and celebration.
Traditional associations, shared for interest and reflection — not medical advice.
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