Of all the wonderful organic ingredients in our tea blends, hibiscus is perhaps the prettiest.
The edible part of the flower is popular in syrups and jams and even dropped into flutes of champagne for celebrations. In tea, the ingredient contributes a beautiful ruby colour and a fruity, tangy cranberry-like taste.
Introducing Hibiscus
Hibiscus is typically found in tropical and subtropical West Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. The variety used to flavour food and tea is Hibiscus Sabdariffa, a shrub also known as Roselle.
An important pollinator, Hibiscus flowers are beloved of hummingbirds, butterflies and bees.
The deep red calyx, which protects the bud then forms the base of the flower, is dried and used for tea, preserves, sauces and salads.
Fun facts
Hibiscus is the national flower of Haiti, Malaysia and South Korea and the state flower of Hawaii.
In Hawaii and Polynesia tucking the bloom behind the right ear traditionally indicated a woman was single, as shown in Gauguin’s famous paintings of Tahiti.
Hibiscus also represents the goddess Kali in Hinduism.
Handy Hibiscus
Hibiscus seeds are a base in some moisturisers while the bark fibres can make ropes, mats and even fabric. The flowers can be used for natural dye and, when decayed, for a black shoe polish.
Hibiscus petals can indicate the PH of a liquid by turning it pink/red if acidic, green/blue if alkaline.
Healthy Hibiscus
Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, the Hibiscus calyx can be an immunity booster. It may also ease inflammation and support liver health.
Hibiscus is believed to slightly lower blood pressure, though it’s important to follow professional medical advice.
Sustainable farming
At English Tea Shop, we provide organic hibiscus seedlings free to farmers.
We mainly source our Hibiscus from Egypt, but we’re working to grow more in Sri Lanka to benefit our farming community financially and with crop diversification.
Try it in tea
Love the sound of hibiscus? You’ll find it elevating our Apple, Rosehip & Cranberry Gin Botanical, a perfect blend to serve chilled for summer evenings and parties.
Simply cold brew one of the Pyramid Infusion Bags in 50ml of gin for five minutes, add ice then top up with tonic. You’ll find the resulting summer cooler has a pretty, rosy glow and gives a fruity twist to your favourite spirit.
The blend comes in a seven pyramid tea bag pack or in our Gin Botanicals Gift Pack with 12 individually boxed pyramid tea bags covering three different blends.
Miniature bottles of the infused gin also make a thoughtful gift for friends or as party favours.
You can also enjoy hibiscus in our Super Berries blend for a fruity, tangy burst either warm or as a cold brew, or in herbal Beautiful Me for a mellow, floral bedtime sip – find is as part of our Wellness Collection Gift Pack.