PREMIUM Hibiscus flowers - Peyi currant

What is hibiscus?

Hibiscus is a plant in the Malvaceae family. Think you know it well? In fact, there are hundreds of varieties of hibiscus. The plant has been cultivated since ancient times, notably in Egypt and Southeast Asia. The success of hibiscus lies in its diverse functions. Cultivated for its appearance, it produces edible fruit, while its flowers can also be eaten when dried. But that's not all. It has many virtues that make you want to consume it for greater well-being, while choosing a totally natural product. It wasn't until the 12th century that hibiscus was brought to Europe by the Spanish Moors. In Korea, hibiscus syriacus is the national flower, known as the "flower of eternity".

What does hibiscus taste like?

The hibiscus flower has both a fruity and tangy taste, an ideal combination for fresh flavors on the palate. Its fruity notes include a hint of red fruit.

Harvesting hibiscus

Hibiscus is undoubtedly a plant that loves tropical climates, which is why it is cultivated in Asia and Africa. The one I'm offering here comes from Burkina Faso. Here, we grow hibiscus sabdariffa, known locally as "roselle". It's Burkina Faso's red gold. When the plant blooms, the hibiscus flowers are simply harvested before being dried in a kiln, then presented to you for use in your kitchen.

How to use hibiscus

At first glance, hibiscus flowers are best seen in infusions. And with good reason. With its notes of red fruit, dried hibiscus flowers bring a sweet, delicious flavor to your hot beverage. In winter evenings, a hibiscus infusion is extremely comforting. But there's much more to hibiscus than that. Its dried flowers can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, from starters to desserts, no matter how surprising.

Our hibiscus recipe ideas

Starters: spring rolls with hibiscus flowers

Spring rolls are a fresh starter, a freshness accentuated by the presence of hibiscus. Add soy or mung beans, carrot, cucumber, onion and avocado to your rice cake. 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

Feel like revolutionizing your dishes? Hibiscus flower will help. Cook your duck breast in a pan, on the barbecue or a la plancha, and prepare a delicious sauce with hibiscus, butter and sweet wine. Its red fruit notes are a perfect match for the duck.

Dessert: fruit salad with hibiscus

Prepare a fruit salad with peaches, apricots and a few red berries. Make a sweet infusion with hibiscus and drizzle over your fruit salad - it's simple yet surprising.

The health benefits of hibiscus

Hibiscus flowers are rich in organic acids, including vitamin C. It's 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 combat high blood pressure and cystitis. As an infusion, it has digestive and diuretic properties, combining pleasure and well-being. Hibiscus can also soothe inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. By consuming hibiscus, women can reduce menstrual pain. Finally, as a poultice, it is said to have soothing properties for eczema, allergies and dermatitis.

How to store hibiscus

I recommend storing hibiscus flowers in a dry, dark place.