Hibiscus

Overview

The Hibiscus flower, from Hibiscus sabdariffa is an annual herbaceous shrub of the Malvaceae family, commonly known as Roselle or Karkadé.

Process

Once the flowers fall off, the bright red calyces swell and are harvested by hand. These are then dried and sold into various markets where approximately 15,000 metric tons enter the international trade each year.

Sources

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, China and Thailand are the largest producers, but Sudan is the source of the world’s best quality roselle.

Our Hibiscus comes from the Kordofan region, and to a lesser extent the Darfur and Blue Nile region.

Grades

Our product is primarily a dried calyx, available in several grades:

Whole dried flower (HPS)
Crushed and sieved dried flower (Siftings)
Fine mechanical powder

Harvest

Growing the Hibiscus flower is comparatively easier to grow than other flower varieties with a high tolerancy to droughts. However, a degree of moisture and sunlight are important for proper blooming. The processing is labour intensive as it is not suitable for mechanized harvesting creating an ideal work opportunity for traditional farmers and communities.

Uses

Snacks, Juices, Tea

Has a raspberry like flavour
Has a prominent red pigment/colour
Is rich in vitamin C, minerals and flavonoids helping to boost the level of immunity in your body
Helps to repair free radical damage
Is high in antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties
May help lower blood pressure
May boost liver health
Promotes weight loss
Could help fight bacteria

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