Hibiscus flowers - Redcurrant Péyi

What is hibiscus?

Thehibiscus is a plant of the malvaceae family. You think you know it well? You should know that there are actually hundreds of varieties of hibiscus. This plant has been cultivated since ancient times, especially in Egypt in Southeast Asia. The success of the hibiscus lies in its various functions. Cultivated for its appearance, it has edible fruits while its flowers can also be eaten once dried. But that's not all. It is believed to have many virtues that make you want to eat it for a better well-being while favouring a totally natural product. It was only in the 12th century that hibiscus appeared in Europe, brought back by the Spanish Moors. In Korea, the hibiscus syriacus is the national flower, it is called "flower of eternity".

What is the flavor of hibiscus?

The hibiscus flower has a fruity and tart taste, an ideal combination for fresh flavours in the mouth. In its fruity notes, we find a little red fruit.

The hibiscus harvest

Hibiscus is undoubtedly a plant that loves the tropical climate, which is why it is cultivated in Asia and Africa. The one I'm offering you here comes from Burkina Faso. Here, hibiscus sabdariffa is produced and is locally called "roselle". It is the red gold of Burkina Faso. When the plant blooms, the hibiscus flowers are simply harvested before being dried in a dryer and then presented to you and integrated into your kitchen.

How to use hibiscus?

At first glance, the hibiscus flower is pictured in herbal teas. And with good reason. With its notes of red fruits, the dried hibiscus flower brings a sweet and delicious flavour to your hot drink. In winter, in the evening, a hibiscus infusion is extremely comforting. However, the use of hibiscus in cooking is far from being limited to that. Its dried flowers can be incorporated into your various dishes, from appetizers to dessert, surprising as it may be.

Our recipe ideas with hibiscus

The starter: spring rolls with hibiscus flower

The spring roll is a fresh appetizer, a freshness that will be accentuated by the presence of hibiscus. In your rice cake, add soy or mung beans, carrot, cucumber, onion and avocado. Add dried hibiscus flowers for sweetness and acidity. You can even add a small infusion of hibiscus to your soy sauce to dip your spring rolls.

The dish: duck breast with hibiscus sauce

Do you feel like revolutionizing your dishes? The hibiscus flower will help you. Cook your duck breast in a frying pan, on the barbecue or on a plancha and prepare a delicious sauce with hibiscus, butter and sweet wine. Its notes of red fruits go perfectly with the duck.

Dessert: fruit salad with hibiscus

Prepare a fruit salad with peaches, apricots and some red fruits. Make a sweet infusion with hibiscus and sprinkle your fruit salad, it's simple and surprising at the same time.

Health benefits of hibiscus

The hibiscus flower is rich in organic acids including vitamin C. It is a perfect antioxidant. Flavonoids and other anthocyanins present in hibiscus have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. In some traditional Asian and African medicines, hibiscus is used to fight against high blood pressure and cystitis. In infusion, it has digestive and diuretic properties to combine pleasure and well-being. Hibiscus can also soothe in case of inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. By consuming hibiscus, women can reduce menstrual pain. Finally, as a poultice, it is believed to have soothing properties to treat eczema, allergies or dermatoses.

The conservation of hibiscus

I advise you to keep your hibiscus flowers in a dry place away from the light.