10 Flor de Jamaica (Dried Hibiscus Flower) Recipes (2024)

January 16, 2024 | Author: Kate Ramos

by Kate Ramos 15 Comments

You may have tried Agua de Jamaica at your favorite Mexican restaurant but there’s so much more you can make with dried hibiscus flowers. Check out these 10 Flor de Jamaica, or dried hibiscus flower recipes! Plus tips to introduce you to the tart dried jamaica flower which is a popular ingredient in Mexican recipes.

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First posted April 12, 2019. Last updated with new images on January 16, 2024.

Have you tried any jamaica flower recipes before?

The dried flor de jamaica or hibiscus blossoms are seemingly everywhere these days….in co*cktails, jams, and even as sweetened dried snacks at Trader Joe’s. But dried jamaica flower recipes have been enjoyed in Mexico forever in everything from tacos to quesadillas to of course the popular agua fresca.

What are Jamaica {Hibiscus} Flowers?

10 Flor de Jamaica (Dried Hibiscus Flower) Recipes (1)

Jamaica flowers are also called flor de jamaica (pronounced ha-MY-kuh) in Spanish and hibiscus flowers in English or you may be familiar with their other name, sorrel. They all refer to the same thing, the dried burgundy-hued petals of the roselle plant or Hibiscus sabdariffa.

There are 232 species of hibiscus and not all of them are edible. The ones we eat are very different from the ones we grow for their large blossoms.

Interestingly enough, when you buy hibiscus {jamaica} flowers it isn’t really the flower at all but the calyx or sepals of the flower which encloses the petals and forms a protective layer around the bud.

Where Do You Buy Them?

10 Flor de Jamaica (Dried Hibiscus Flower) Recipes (2)

The dried jamaica can bought by the pound online.

The best prices and quality can be found at your local Latin Market where they are sold in huge bulk bins for next to nothing.

When you’re buying dried hibiscus look for whole petals, not cut or broken flowers that are a jumble of stems and leaves.

Other Hibiscus Flower Products

10 Flor de Jamaica (Dried Hibiscus Flower) Recipes (3)

What Are The Benefits of Flor de Jamaica?

Dried jamaica flowers brewed into tea has been proven to help lower blood pressure, and cholesterol.

The flowers are packed with antioxidants and Vitamin C and are excellent for your liver and digestive systems. Flor de jamaica (hibiscus) is also a natural diuretic and helps to reduce bloating and of course are vegan and gluten-free.

The popular Mexican drink, Agua de Jamaica, still has all these properties but is also high in sugar, so if you are going for health benefits it’s best to stick to brewing unsweetened tea.

Side effects of hibiscus flowers are minimal but if blood pressure control is a problem for you, or you take medication that may interact with hibiscus tea, consult your doctor.

The Easiest Way To Make Jamaica Tea

10 Flor de Jamaica (Dried Hibiscus Flower) Recipes (4)
  1. Give the dried flowers a quick rinse to get rid of any dust or particles.
  2. Place one whole dried flower in a cup and pour over hot water. Steep for 5 minutes.
  3. By itself the flowers are very tart. People’s preferences vary, so sweeten to your liking with honey.
  4. To make a pitcher of iced tea, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup honey (or more to taste) and 1/4 cup jamaica flowers. Let cool, strain out the flowers and serve over ice.

What Else Can Be Made with Flor de Jamaica?

Jamaica flowers go way beyond tea. Let’s check out ten more great recipes using Flor de Jamaica that you should be making right now.

1. Agua de Jamaica {Jamaica Water}

2. Easy Chamoy Sauce

3. strawberry hibiscus Palomas

4. Strawberry-Jamaica Shortbread Cookies

5. Pineapple Jamaica Margarita

6. Creamy Chicken Enchiladas with Jamaica Mole Sauce

7. Spicy Salsa Macha

8. Poinsettia co*cktail {Jamaica Mimosas}

9. Jamaica-Braised Breakfast Sausage

10. Ponche Navideño {Mexican Mulled Fruit Punch}

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Jamaica. It’s not a trend it’s a lifestyle

If you aren’t already in love with flor de jamaica, you’re about to be. Give these recipes a try and let me know what you make by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram@holajalapenoand#holajalapenoso I can see or leave me a comment below! Also, sign up for myweekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

In support of this small business, ¡Hola! Jalapeño earns revenue in a few different ways. Several sponsored posts are published each month.I also earn an affiliate commission on the sales of products I link to— there are a few of those links in this post. I only feature items I genuinely love and personally use on a regular basis. This commission is an arrangement between the retailer and ¡Hola! Jalapeño (readers never pay more for products). This income allows me to run the site. Thank you for reading!

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10 Flor de Jamaica (Dried Hibiscus Flower) Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What can I do with dried hibiscus flowers? ›

You can steep the dried pieces in hot water to create the deep rose-colored infusion known as hibiscus tea. Plain, this tea has a subtle, tart and floral flavor that isn't overpowering. The flowers also work as a great flavor-infuser in other drinks and dishes.

How to use dried jamaica? ›

The Easiest Way To Make Jamaica Tea

Place one whole dried flower in a cup and pour over hot water. Steep for 5 minutes. By itself the flowers are very tart. People's preferences vary, so sweeten to your liking with honey.

What are 10 medicinal uses of hibiscus leaf? ›

Properties of Hibiscus:
  • It may have antiseptic properties.
  • It may have anti-spasmodic properties (relieves muscle spasms)
  • It may have blood pressure-lowering properties.
  • It may have a mild laxative effect (help constipation)
  • It may have a diuretic effect (increase urine production)
  • It may have antioxidant activity.
7 days ago

What is jamaica hibiscus used for? ›

Today, you can find hibiscus-flavored jams, jellies, sauces, syrups and teas throughout the world. The ingredient is especially popular in Western Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean. Also known as roselle or sorrel, it's been used to treat everything from high blood pressure to indigestion.

How to use dried hibiscus in cooking? ›

Process dried hibiscus flowers to eat by blending into a powder, boiling to make a jelly, steeping for a tea, adding to a sour soup recipe, or reducing with water and sugar to make a syrup. Mix them into smoothies, especially with tropical fruits.

How to use hibiscus flowers in cooking? ›

Once they're blitzed into a fine powder, hibiscus flowers are also a great way to add some extra color to the plate. Much like the tannins in red wine, the tannins in hibiscus tea make it a great choice for a marinade, tenderizing beef or lamb while adding boatloads of flavor.

How long does dried Jamaica last? ›

Dried Hibiscus Jamaica will keep for two years when stored in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight.

How to use hibiscus for weight loss? ›

The best way to use hibiscus to get optimal results is to take it in the form of capsules, as this way, you know you are getting an accurate dose. However, you can also prepare it as a te, using the plant species Hibiscus sabdariffa. This can be found in some grocery stores or pharmacies.

Is flor de jamaica the same as hibiscus? ›

Dried Hibiscus Flowers, also known as: Hibiscus sabdariffa, red sorrel, African Mallow, Indian Sorrel, Jamaica Sorrel, Jamaica Tea Flower, and Roselle. Hibiscus flowers are the main ingredient in many wonderfully refreshing teas made around the world, especially in Mexico, Latin America, and North Africa.

Who cannot drink hibiscus tea? ›

Use with caution if you have low or high blood pressure. Interactions. Hibiscus tea may interfere with the effectiveness of some anti-malaria drugs. It can also interact with many other drugs including some for diabetes and high blood pressure.

What to avoid when drinking hibiscus tea? ›

According to an older review , hibiscus tea may interact with several medications, including acetaminophen (Tylenol) and hydrochlorothiazide, which is a diuretic. Because hibiscus contains phytoestrogens, it is also possible that it may interfere with hormonal medications, such as the birth control pill.

Does hibiscus tea reduce belly fat? ›

According to studies, it can prevent diseases like obesity, improve your metabolism, digestive system and your gut health. However, there is very little evidence regarding how much hibiscus tea is essential for weight loss and burn belly fat. Overall, this drink has nothing but good effects on your health.

What do Mexicans use hibiscus for? ›

In Mexico, it is used to make agua fresca, a cold tea made by soaking the flowers in water. The concentrate is then mixed with sugar and more water and served cold. Aside from being used as a cold brew, hibiscus flowers can also be used in vegetarian dishes, as a spicy snack or as a lovely syrup to have with gin.

Is Jamaica hibiscus good for kidneys? ›

Hibiscus extract showed some benefit to kidney function and relief from symptoms of urinary tract infections. Hibiscus tea was found to act as a diuretic, helping your kidneys remove extra fluid from your body.

Does hibiscus tea make you sleepy? ›

When is the best time to drink hibiscus tea and does it make you sleepy? Consuming hibiscus tea makes for an excellent nightcap due to its tart flavor and potential health benefits, and it contains melatonin which may make you sleepier than you were before consuming your tasty beverage.

Are dried hibiscus flowers edible? ›

Dried Hibiscus is free from added sugars, making them a great ingredient to add sweetness to drinks, bakes or sweets. They're also free of any chemicals or additives, so you can feel good about incorporating them into your food.

Does dried hibiscus flowers go bad? ›

Hibiscus won't ever really go “bad” but it can get stale. Just like any other tea or dried herb, hibiscus should be stored properly so it remains as fresh as possible on your shelf. Always buy hibiscus from a reputable company that can tell you when and how the tea was processed and packaged.

Can you use old hibiscus flowers for tea? ›

Hibiscus tea can be made using both fresh or dried flowers.

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