Dried Hibiscus Jamaica
Estimated Inventory, 5 lbs : 7.52
This item was last sold on : 05/13/25
Description/Taste
Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is the calyx of a flower, which is the bud's outer layer that protects the developing petals, stigma, and stamens. Each calyx is comprised of individual sepals that are fleshy and smooth when fresh with a maroon to dark red hue. When the calyx is dried, the sepals will shrivel and wrinkle, develop a crisp and chewy consistency, and darken into shades of burgundy, purple, and red. Dried Hibiscus Jamaica has a sweet and tangy flavor mixed with tart undertones and refreshing floral notes.
Seasons/Availability
Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is available year-round.
Current Facts
Dried Hibiscus Jamaica, botanically classified as Hibiscus sabdariffa, consists of dried sepals of a tropical flower belonging to the Malvaceae family. It is important to note that there are hundreds of species generally known as hibiscus, but many of these cultivars are not edible and used to make tea. DRIED HIBISCUS JAMAICA IS PRIMARILY SOURCED FROM THE SEPALS OF THE FLOWERS OF THE SABDARIFFA SPECIES, SOMETIMES KNOWN AS ROSELLE. THE PLANT IS NATIVE TO TROPICAL AND SUBTROPICAL REGIONS OF ASIA AND IS WIDELY USED IN CULINARY AND MEDICINAL APPLICATIONS, MOST FAMOUSLY FOR TEA. Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is also known by many local names in communities around the world, including Flor de Jamaica, Hibiscus Flores, Roselle, Gongura, Bissap, and the “Other Cranberry.” The dried sepals are primarily used as a coloring agent and flavoring for beverages and culinary dishes.
Nutritional Value
Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is a source of minerals, including calcium and iron, and contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that can strengthen the immune system. The dried sepals are also considered to be a natural diuretic, cleansing the digestive system, and provide anthocyanins, which are the pigmented compounds that protect the body against environmental damage.
Applications
Dried Hibiscus Jamaica can be used to flavor and naturally color beverages, main dishes, sauces, and desserts. The dried sepals can be steeped in boiling water to make a tea, or they can be incorporated into sparkling water, juices, and cocktails for an added sweet-tart flavor. The steeped liquid can also be poured into popsicle molds or ice cube trays and frozen, infused into vinaigrettes, or used to make tangy jello. In addition to beverages, Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is traditionally utilized to color desserts such as cookies, flan, cakes, and tarts. It can also be cooked into jams and jellies, infused into icings, incorporated into sauces, syrups, and salsa, or used in savory dishes such as enchiladas and roasted meats. Dried Hibiscus Jamaica pairs well with meats such as lamb, duck, and venison, ginger, rhubarb, spices such as cinnamon, anise, and nutmeg, agave, honey, and fruits such as pineapple, pear, and citrus. Dried Hibiscus Jamaica will keep for two years when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight.
Ethnic/Cultural Info
Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is famously used in one of Mexico’s most popular drinks, agua de Jamaica. The ruby-hued beverage is made from steeped Dried Hibiscus Jamaica and is traditionally poured over ice, served with sweetener, lime, and fresh herbs. There are many different agua de Jamaica variations found throughout Mexico, and the tangy drink is believed to complement the flavors found in Mexican cuisine. Agua de Jamaica is widely available through restaurants and street vendors, but it is also frequently prepared in home kitchens as an afternoon drink. Outside of Mexico, Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is also popularly incorporated into a Christmas drink in Jamaica. The dried sepals are infused with sugar and ginger and are then mixed with ice and rum to create a rich, sweet-tart libation.
Geography/History
Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is developed from the Hibiscus sabdariffa species, which is believed to be native to tropical and sub-tropical regions of Asia. The shrubs have been cultivated since ancient times for their edible sepals, and it is thought that the species was introduced into Africa in the early ages. Hibiscus sabdariffa was brought to the New World through African slaves, where it quickly became naturalized in regions throughout the Caribbean and Central and South America. In 1904, the plant was introduced to Hawaii, having first been tested and researched in Florida. Today Dried Hibiscus Jamaica is produced around the world, especially in Asia, Southeast Asia, Mexico, and Central America, and is found through online retailers, specialty grocers, and select vendors at farmer’s markets.
Featured Restaurants
Restaurants currently purchasing this product as an ingredient for their menu.
| Harney Sushi | San Diego CA | 619-295-3272 |
| Slowly | San Diego CA | 858-352-6080 |
| Kona Kai Resort and Marina | San Diego CA | 619-221-8000 |
| 264 Fresco (Kitchen) | Carlsbad CA | 760-720-3737 |
| Brigantine Escondido Bar | Escondido CA | 760-743-4718 |
| Miguel's Cocina Pt Loma | San Diego CA | 619-224-2401 |
| Top of the Market | San Diego CA | 619-234-4867 |
| Kingfisher | San Diego CA | 619-861-8074 |
| Valley View Casino & Hotel (Black&Blue) | Valley Center CA | 760-291-5500 |
| Communion | San Diego CA | 619-606-5568 |
| Tribute Pizza (Bar) | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| Giuseppe Restaurants & Fine Catering | San Diego CA | 619-436-7006 |
| Finca North Park | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Tribute Pizza | San Diego CA | 858-220-0030 |
| The Local-Pacific Beach | San Diego CA | 858-263-7475 |
| Cal A Vie | Vista CA | 760-945-2055 |
| Le Coq | La Jolla CA | 858-427-1500 |
| The Flavor Chef (Catering) | Vista CA | 619-295-3172 |
| Sushi Gaga | San Diego CA | 619-808-1556 |
| Lodge at Torrey Pines Main | San Diego CA | 858-453-4420 |
| Lost Cause Meadery | SAN DIEGO CA | 858-245-1911 |
| Panama 66 | San Diego CA | 619-206-6352 |
| Cutwater Spirits (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-672-3848 |
| Casa | San Diego CA | 619-581-3003 |
| Lafayette Hotel - Lobby (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-296-2101 |
| Fox Point Farms | Encinitas CA | 619-892-0553 |
| Sugar Bear Enterprises | San Diego CA | 925-383-3623 |
| Madison | San Diego CA | 619-822-3465 |
| Monello (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-822-5493 |
| Waverly (Bar) | Cardiff CA | 619-244-0416 |
| Juniper & Ivy | San Diego CA | 858-481-3666 |
| Fish 101 | Encinitas CA | 760-943-6221 |
| Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center | National City CA | 619-434-4281 |
| Nolita Hall - Bar | San Diego CA | 619-618-8820 |
| Pendry SD (5th & Rose) | San Diego CA | 619-738-7000 |
| Herb & Sea (Bar) | Encinitas CA | 858-587-6601 |
| The Crack Shack-San Diego (Bar) | San Diego CA | 619-269-9036 |
| Dija Mara | Oceanside CA | 760-231-5376 |
| Great Maple Hillcrest | San Diego CA | 619-255-2282 |
| Aztec Shop Catering | San Diego CA | 619 594-3576 |
| Ridgeview Health Center | San Diego CA | 858-293-3950 |
| Reata Glen | Ladera Ranch CA | 949-545-2250 |
| Monarch (Bar) | Del Mar CA | 619-308-6500 |
| The Office | San Diego CA | 619-450-6632 |
| Wildland Bar | Carlsbad CA | 619-385-0914 |
| Birdseye Rooftop | San Diego CA | 619-206-7220 |
| Crust Pizzeria-Carmel | San Diego CA | 858-212-8751 |
| Blue Ocean | Carlsbad CA | 760-434-4959 |
| Seneca Bar | San Diego CA | 619-588-2411 |
| Manna | Encinitas CA | 510-366-3057 |
| Parkhouse Eatery | San Diego CA | 619 295 7275 |
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Dried Hibiscus Jamaica. One
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