Hibiscus Tea

part of: Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea is a vibrant, deep red infusion made by steeping dried hibiscus calyces in hot water. It has a bold, tart flavour reminiscent of cranberries or sour cherries, with a refreshing acidity that works well both hot and iced. It’s naturally caffeine-free.

The drink goes by many names around the world — agua de jamaica in Mexico, karkadé in Egypt, bissap in West Africa, sorrel in the Caribbean — reflecting its popularity across tropical regions. In each tradition, it’s often sweetened and sometimes spiced with ginger, cinnamon, or cloves.

Hibiscus tea has grown in popularity in Australia as part of the broader interest in caffeine-free and botanical beverages. It’s widely available as loose-leaf dried hibiscus or in tea bags, and its striking colour makes it a popular base for iced teas, cocktails, and mocktails.

Farmed
photograph to come — from twenty years of markets, farms and kitchens

How it's made

Dried hibiscus calyces are steeped in boiling or near-boiling water for five to ten minutes, during which they release their deep red colour, tart flavour, and aroma into the water. The spent calyces are then strained out. The resulting infusion can be served hot, or cooled and served over ice. Sweetener is commonly added to balance the natural tartness.

Nutrition (per 100g)

Energy 0kcal
Protein 0g
Carbs 0g
Fat 0g
Fibre 0g Sugar 0g
Mass Distribution

8 fl oz is about 237 g.

What it costs the planet (per kilo)

Carbon ≈3.62kg
Freshwater ≈866.95L
Land ≈2.95

≈ Estimated — worked out from a category-typical value further up its supply chain. Where this comes from →

Where it comes from

In the kitchen

Used as

tart floral herbal tea

Goes well with
Classic dishes
  • Agua de Jamaica
  • Hibiscus Margarita
  • Hibiscus Sorbet

Keeping one at home? Track yours in your cubud →

Where this data comes from

Nutrition data from

USDA

How it was calculated

SR Legacy

Full credits, licences, and methods: the sources page →

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