Hibiscus

Botanische kenmerken

Shrub up to 2.5 m with lobed leaves and pale yellow flowers. After flowering the fleshy crimson calyces are harvested and dried.

Herkomst

West Africa; cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics.

Traditioneel gebruik

In West African, Caribbean and North African traditions the dried calyces have been used for hot and cold infusions for centuries.

Interessante weetjes

The deep red colour comes from anthocyanins — the same pigment group that colours blueberries and red cabbage.