Hibiscus (Dried)
Hibiscus is the tart dried calyx of roselle, steeped into a ruby tea rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins studied for blood pressure support.
Nutrition · per ~2 g serving · ≈ a pinch
- Vitamin C1.2 mg1% DV
- Vitamin A5.6 iu<1% DV
- Iron0.18 mg1% DV
- Potassium19.0 mg<1% DV
- Calcium4.3 mg<1% DV
- Magnesium1.0 mg<1% DV
- Anthocyanins~4.0 mg
- Polyphenols~3.0 mg
Score · 86/100
Vitamins & minerals packed in relative to calories — the single biggest driver of the score.
How much protein it delivers, by absolute grams and per calorie.
Dietary fiber for gut health, satiety and steadier blood sugar.
Fat quality — unsaturated vs saturated, and trans-fat free.
Polyphenols, flavonoids and other beneficial plant compounds for this food group.
Low sugar with a high fiber-to-carb ratio scores best — gentler on blood sugar.
- Vitamin C67% DV
- Iron50% DV
- Potassium20% DV
- Calcium17% DV
- Magnesium12% DV
Overview
Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), also called roselle, jamaica, or karkade, is grown across the tropics for its fleshy red calyces, which are dried and steeped into a tart, ruby-colored infusion enjoyed hot or iced from Mexico to West Africa to the Middle East. The dried calyx is notably rich in vitamin C and in anthocyanins, the deep-red pigment polyphenols that give the tea its color and much of its antioxidant power. Hibiscus is among the better-studied herbal teas for cardiovascular health: controlled trials show regular consumption can produce modest reductions in blood pressure, an effect attributed to its anthocyanins and organic acids acting on vascular tone and ACE activity. The calyces also contain hibiscus acid and other organic acids that drive the cranberry-like tartness. Steeped at roughly a handful per quart of water, hibiscus makes a vivid, refreshing drink usually sweetened to offset its astringency, and the rehydrated calyces can flavor syrups, sauces, and jams. Its appeal is its bright tartness and its antioxidant, blood-pressure-supporting polyphenols.
Health Benefits (3)
- Supports healthy blood pressuremoderateAnthocyanins and organic acids relax vascular smooth muscle and inhibit ACE activity, lowering systolic and diastolic pressure modestly in controlled trials
- Provides strong antioxidant protectionmoderateAnthocyanins and vitamin C scavenge free radicals and inhibit LDL oxidation
- Supports vitamin C statuslimitedThe dried calyx supplies ascorbic acid that aids antioxidant defense and collagen synthesis
Food Pairings
- ·Pair with cinnamon and ginger because their warmth balances hibiscus's sharp tartness in a brewed tea
- ·Combine with citrus and a sweetener because acidity and sugar round the astringent edge of agua de Jamaica
- ·Use with berries in syrups and sauces because the anthocyanin tartness deepens fruit flavors
Practical Tips
- ·Cold-steep overnight for a smoother, less astringent brew, or use hot water for faster extraction
- ·Sweeten to taste, as the tea is naturally very tart
- ·Store the dried calyces airtight away from light, where they keep for a year or more
Optimal Timing
Hibiscus is enjoyed iced as a daytime refresher or warm in the evening, with blood-pressure benefits tied to regular daily intake.
Unsweetened it adds negligible calories; sweetened versions add sugar.
Systems supported
body systems this food feedsPathways supported
biochemical reactions enabled by this foodCompared to other herbs & spices
Per 100 g of the default form. Bars show how much higher or lower hibiscus (dried) is than the average across 76 peer foods in this category. Green means a favorable direction; amber means the opposite.
What people ask about hibiscus (dried)
What is hibiscus (dried)?
Hibiscus (Dried) is classified as a herbs & spices. Hibiscus is the tart dried calyx of roselle, steeped into a ruby tea rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins studied for blood pressure support.
Is hibiscus (dried) healthy?
Hibiscus (Dried) scores 86/100 in Formulate, making it a great choice. Its strongest contributions come from Vitamin C, Iron, Potassium. The score blends nutrient density, fiber, healthy fats, protein quality, bioactive compounds, and glycemic impact.
Is hibiscus (dried) high in protein?
Not particularly. A 2 g serving provides about 0.1 g of protein (~0% of the 50 g daily value).
Is hibiscus (dried) high in fiber?
Not really. A 2 g serving provides about 0.2 g of fiber (~1% of the 28 g daily value).
Is hibiscus (dried) keto-friendly?
Yes — it fits comfortably in most keto plans. A 2 g serving has about 1.1 g of net carbs (1.3 g total minus 0.2 g fiber).
When is the best time to eat hibiscus (dried)?
Best any time of day. Hibiscus is enjoyed iced as a daytime refresher or warm in the evening, with blood-pressure benefits tied to regular daily intake.
How much hibiscus (dried) should I eat?
A typical serving is around 2 g (~6 kcal), based on the FDA's Reference Amount Customarily Consumed for this food category. There's no fixed daily target — most adults benefit from rotating hibiscus (dried) alongside several other herbs & spices sources.
What pairs well with hibiscus (dried)?
Hibiscus (Dried) pairs nicely with: Pair with cinnamon and ginger because their warmth balances hibiscus's sharp tartness in a brewed tea; Combine with citrus and a sweetener because acidity and sugar round the astringent edge of agua de Jamaica; Use with berries in syrups and sauces because the anthocyanin tartness deepens fruit flavors.
Supplements that mirror Hibiscus (Dried)'s nutrient profile
Encyclopedia entries that supply the same signature nutrients hibiscus (dried) contributes. Click through to see clinical dose ranges, evidence quality, and bioavailable forms.
Signature nutrients in Hibiscus (Dried)
These are the nutrients hibiscus (dried)contributes meaningfully toward (≥10% DV per 100 g serving). Click one to see what it does in the body, which supplements concentrate it, and which other foods are top sources.