5 dishes featuring hibiscus flowers
What's the story
Not just their vibrant color, hibiscus flowers are also known for their unique flavor, which comes handy in making a variety of African dishes.
The flowers add a tangy taste and are often used in drinks, sauces, and desserts.
In Africa, hibiscus is worshipped for versatility and nutrition.
Here are five distinct African dishes that use hibiscus flowers, showcasing the continent's culinary diversity.
Zobo drink
Zobo drink: A refreshing beverage
Zobo drink is a popular drink in Nigeria made from dried hibiscus petals.
The petals are boiled with water and sweetened with sugar or honey to make a refreshing drink.
Often flavored with ginger, cloves, or mint leaves, zobo gives a tart yet sweet taste.
It is commonly served chilled and enjoyed as a thirst-quencher during hot weather.
Bissap juice
Bissap juice: Senegal's favorite drink
Further, Bissap juice is a popular drink in Senegal and other West African countries.
This delicious drink is prepared by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water, and sweetening the juice with sugar or honey.
Sometimes infused with mint or vanilla to enhance the flavor, bissap juice has a deep red color and a tangy taste that makes it perfect for meals.
Karkadeh tea
Karkadeh: Egyptian hibiscus tea
Karkadeh tea is an Egyptian beverage prepared from dried hibiscus petals steeped in boiling water.
Famous for its bright red color and tart flavor, karkadeh can be served hot or cold depending on the taste.
However, it is usually sweetened to balance the natural acidity of the hibiscus flowers.
Hibiscus jam
Hibiscus jam: A sweet spread
Hibiscus jam uses the petals of the flower to make a spreadable preserve. It goes well with bread or pastries.
The petals are cooked down with sugar until thickened to jam consistency.
This jam gives you sweetness and tartness, making it versatile enough to go with various foods.
Sorrel sauce
Sorrel sauce: A flavorful condiment
Sorrel sauce adds fresh sorrel leaves and hibiscus flowers into the mix, making for an aromatic condiment used in various African cuisines, particularly Caribbean-influenced ones such as the Jamaican cuisine, where sorrel also makes a big impact.
The sauce mixes these ingredients and spices like garlic and onions, making for a delicious addition to any dish requiring an extra zing.