Hibiscus
Hibiscus sabdariffa · Edible flower
Top 10 pairings
In cooking, hibiscus almost always means roselle, a tropical shrub whose dried crimson flower cups taste bracingly tart, like cranberry. Steeped, they make Mexico's agua de jamaica and Caribbean sorrel drinks.
Picking a good onedrag
Deep crimson, leathery, sharply sourDull brown dust, flat and musty
Shop freshEveryday bestThe ordinary bag, in date. It can lower blood pressure, so ask a doctor if you take medication for it.
Colour of the calycesDarker red, brown at the edges
What is in the bagMostly whole, a few broken pieces
The bendBends, cracks a little at the fold
Smell in the bagTart and berryish, quieter