I’ve become quite obsessed with trying recipes for hibiscus tea, hibiscus curd, hibiscus jelly, and many more hibiscus treats since our hibiscus bushes are bursting with calyx (pods). We’ve grown edible hibiscus for several years and I’m truly amazed by the many traditional hibiscus recipes there and by people’s unique twists to those recipes.
Are all hibiscus plants edible?
The short answer is no one has test all the hundreds of hibiscus varieties, so we can’t say positively one way or the other. However, some have been tested or have been traditionally used for centuries and are considered safe for most people.
The three most popular edible hibiscus varieties are Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella), and Hibiscus sabdariffa also known as Roselle, Jamaican Sorrel, and hibiscus flowers.
Hibiscus sabdariffa is the most common hibiscus used in recipes for hibiscus tea and is often sold as hibiscus “flowers”. While the flower is edible, it’s technically not the part that is dried and used. The part that is used is the calyx with is the covering of the seed pod which is left after the flower falls off the plant.
All the hibiscus recipes I’m sharing in this post are made with Hibiscus sabdariffa, aka Jamaican sorrel, roselle, and sometimes just identified as hibiscus flowers in the recipe.
Where can you find hibiscus for using in recipes?
I’m going to suggest you try to grow edible hibiscus if your climate allows. It needs warmth and a long growing season and is grown as an annual in most areas. But it’s extremely easy to grow and is beautiful.
If you need to buy hibiscus you will probably be able to find some small packages of dried hibiscus “flowers” in your local grocery store, especially if they have an international section. I’ve recently seen them in our local grocery.
If you you can’t find them locally, you can purchase them online. They might say “hibiscus flowers” or “roselle” on the label. But they should also say Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Jamaican sorrel or roselle, is often marketed under the name "hibiscus flowers" and is used to make hibiscus tea and other hibiscus treats. This list includes recipes for hibiscus tea and other drinks, plus recipes such as hibiscus curd and jams.
Simple Hibiscus Syrup
Hibiscus simple syrup is a tangy, floral syrup that is great for adding to drinks, pouring on pancakes, or topping ice cream.
Immunity Building Vitamin C Herbal Tea
Photo Credit:homespunseasonalliving.com
Hibiscus and rose hips are a class combination for an immunity building vitamin c herbal tea. Drink during cold and flu season for a tasty preventative measure.
3-2-1 Herbal Tea – A Homemade Kool-Aid Alternative
Photo Credit:pistachioproject.com
While it looks like Kool-Aid, this hibiscus ice tea is so much better tasting and better fro you. It's a great summer treat for kids and adults alike.
Ruby Fruit Super Tea Recipe
Photo Credit:www.studiobotanica.com
Hibiscus tea combinations are endless and this one with oatstaw is packed with nutrition.
Hibiscus: Herbs We Love For Summer – Herbal Academy
Photo Credit:theherbalacademy.com
Hibiscus flowers are cooling which make iced hibiscus drinks a nice treat during the summer. This one is a great one to try.
Hibiscus Kombucha
Photo Credit:www.growforagecookferment.com
Kombucha is a gut healing drink that can be made at home, add some hibiscus for tangy treat to that is sure to please your family.
Hibiscus Pomegranate Mulled Tea - West African Flavours
Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com
Warm spices mulled with hibiscus make a great wintertime drink. This recipe with West African flavors is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
How to Make a Raspberry Hibiscus Shrub
Photo Credit:nourishedkitchen.com
I love drinking shrubs during the heat of the summer and adding hibiscus is my favorite thing to add. Try this raspberry hibiscus shrub for a fantastic summertime treat.
Hibiscus Tea (Jamaica Drink) | Cupcake Project
Photo Credit:www.cupcakeproject.com
Jamaica drink is a a cold hibiscus tea that is commonly made in the Caribbean, this simple recipe will become a family favorite I'm sure.
Hibiscus Tamarind Agua Fresca — Food, Pleasure & Health
Photo Credit:www.foodpleasureandhealth.com
Hibiscus and Tamarind are a classic combination and make a fantastic cold drink for hot summer days.
Hibiscus Pomegranate Fire Cider | Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
Photo Credit:chestnutherbs.com
Fire cider is a powerful immune booster and when you add hibiscus to the mix, you get a great dose of Vitamin C and great flavor.
SUPER C HIBISCUS BERRY SMOOTHIE
Photo Credit:justinecelina.com
This Super C Hibiscus Berry Smoothie is fresh, tart and velvety. It’s also bursting with tons of vitamin C, antioxidants and refreshing citrus flavors.
Gluten Free Tarts with Vanilla Pudding, Berries, and a Hibiscus Glaze
Photo Credit:beyondmeresustenance.com
This gluten free tart with berries and hibiscus is a fantastic addition to any summertime meal.
Chocolate Cake with Hibiscus Curd
Photo Credit:www.cardamomandtea.com
Hibiscus curd can be made with fresh or dried hibiscus the color will be a little different but the taste will be similar, tangy and sweet. The curd pairs perfectly with a from scratch dark chocolate cake.
Ginger Beer Hibiscus Mocktail – African recipe
Photo Credit:recipesfromapantry.com
This ginger beer hibiscus mocktail is a simple but fancy looking drink that uses produce from the height of the summer harvest.
Hibiscus Tea | Agua De Jamaica | Pressure Cooker
Photo Credit:twosleevers.com
Tea in an InstantPot? Why yes, hibiscus tea can be made in your pressure cooker. Find out why you would want to do it this way for this recipe.
“The blushing rose” – a vermouth co*cktail
Photo Credit:www.carolinescooking.com
This bright "Blushing Rose" vermouth co*cktail is fruity, floral and with a bit of a kick.
Hibiscus Strawberry Margarita Ice Cream Float
Photo Credit:www.theflavorbender.com
A grown up’s ice cream float, this Hibiscus Strawberry Margarita Ice Cream Float is simple to put together and is bursting with delicious fruity, citrus and strawberry flavour, and topped with a salted lime sherbet and lemon lime soda!
Sparkling Strawberry Hibiscus Cooler co*cktail Recipe
Photo Credit:sugarandcloth.com
If you like coolers, you'll want to try this strawberry hibiscus cooler.
Hibiscus Mai Tai co*cktail with Thyme + Fresh Pineapple Juice
Photo Credit:withfoodandlove.com
This recipe is a flavorful twist on a traditional Mai Tai co*cktail with the addition of hibiscus and thyme.
Hibiscus Margarita Recipe
Photo Credit:sugarandcharm.com
Margarita recipes abound but when you add hibiscus you take margarita making to a whole new level.
Ginger Hibiscus Martini or Mocktail
Photo Credit:beyondmeresustenance.com
This ginger hibiscus martini recipe can be made with or without the alcohol which makes it a great recipe for a diverse crowd.
Hibiscus mezcal sour
Photo Credit:www.carolinescooking.com
This hibiscus mezcal sour is a Mexican-inspired take on a whiskey sour. It’s colorful, gently fruity and smoky and oh so good.
Hibiscus Vinegar Hair Rinse for Smooth and Shiny Hair
Photo Credit:pistachioproject.com
Why, yes, you can use hibiscus to make a homemade hair rinse for smooth and shiny hair!
Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops
Photo Credit:goddesscooks.com
This herb crusted lamb chop recipe has a secret ingredient....hibiscus. I think this recipe would also be good on pork.
Hibiscus, Rhubarb + Yogurt Ice Pops {plus a cookbook giveaway + edible flower potluck}
Photo Credit:bojongourmet.com
Treat your family to homemade popcicles and give them a Vitamin C boost at the same time!
Hibiscus Lemon Bars
Photo Credit:theviewfromgreatisland.com
Nest time you want to make lemon bars, try this hibiscus lemon bar recipe instead. It's such a fun color and will certainly be different than anything you've had before.
Candied Flowers - Hibiscus
Photo Credit:www.cupcakeproject.com
Candied flowers make a fun decoration for baked goods and candies. These candied hibiscus are sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Vegan Hibiscus Coconut Cream Tart
Photo Credit:www.siftandsimmer.com
This hibiscus coconut cream tart is tangy, sweet....and vegan. But you don't have to be vegan to enjoy it.
Hibiscus Loaf Cake Recipe
Photo Credit:www.seriouseats.com
Loaf cakes are nice to keep on hand for afternoon snacks, tea time, or even a quick breakfast.
Honey Hibiscus Tea Popsicles
Photo Credit:thepigandquill.com
Turn your hibiscus tea into fun popsicles for a summertime tasty treat.
Flor de Jamaica- Hibiscus Recipes
Photo Credit:pinaenlacocina.com
Chopped fresh hibiscus can make a great addition to tacos - it's tangy and flavorful and a great substitute for fresh tomatoes when you don't have tomatoes growing in your garden.
