Hibiscus flower powder is a fine, brightly-hued powder. Its bright magenta color can add a nice visual pop to your foods, and also impart them with a slightly sour taste and lightly fruity aroma.
It can add flavor and visual appeal to drinks like teas, cocktails, and smoothies, or even sauces, jams, and baked goods. When using for color start with a small amount and taste as you go, and work toward a balance of hue and taste to your liking.
Hibiscus flower is used in many cultures around the world. In Mexico, it is often used to make a refreshing drink called Agua de Jamaica, and in West Africa, it is used to make a popular beverage called bissap. It is also commonly used in Middle Eastern and North African cooking to add flavor and color to dishes such as stews, salads, and sauces.
Please note: Hibiscus is intercropped with peanut plants. Those with peanut allergies should exercise caution.
INGREDIENTS
Hibiscus flower
TASTING NOTES
Slightly sour taste
AROMA
Herbaceous and fruity aroma
CHARACTERISTICS
Fine powder, bright magenta
BOTANICAL NAME
Hibiscus sabdariffa
VOLUME
1 oz (28 g) per 1/2 cup
Start with a small amount and gradually add more to taste. Some find the tart flavor of hibiscus flower powder can be quite intense, so it is best to use it sparingly until you find the right balance for your dish.
Powdered hibiscus flower can be used to make a type of dried fruit leather. The powder is made into a paste and the hibiscus paste is mixed with sugar and spread thinly on a surface to dry, creating a chewy, fruity snack. It is also sometimes used to make a type of sweet, jelly-like candy.
