Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Other names: Ibisek
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Hibiscus sabdariffa is a deciduous herb of the mallow family. It is a plant native to tropical West Africa, but grows in tropical areas all over the world. In the Czech Republic, it is mainly grown as an ornamental plant, but in recent years it has also been used in the kitchen and in the production of beverages. As the name suggests, the Sudanese hibiscus is native to Sudan, but today it can be found almost everywhere in the world. Sudanese hibiscus is particularly popular for its wide range of uses and medicinal properties.
The uses of the Sudanese hibiscus are truly wide-ranging. It is a plant especially popular in culinary and beverage making. The hibiscus fruit is harvested by hand, dried and further processed. It is most popular as an ingredient in tea blends, where it gives the drink its characteristic sour taste and ruby red colour. This drink is popular not only for its delicious taste but also for its medicinal properties. In fact, hibiscus tea has a positive effect on the metabolism, helps to lower blood cholesterol levels, improves digestion and has diuretic properties. The dried fruit is also used to make 'hibiscus honey', which is used as a natural sweetener. It can also be found in many food products, for example in jams, confectionery or as a colouring and souring agent in baking. In addition to teas, hibiscus is also used to make fruit juices and syrups. Dried flowers and fruits are also used in natural cosmetics, especially for their healing effects on the skin.