Hibiscus Flower (Jamaica)
Hibiscus flower (jamaica) is the dried calyx of the hibiscus plant, with a vivid red colour and tart, fruity flavour. It is the base of agua de jamaica, one of Mexico's most popular drinks, and is also used in sweet-and-sour sauces for duck or pork, jamaica tamales, and artisan sorbets. Its colour is spectacular.
Estimated retail price
~£3.49 / 50g
Typical price at UK Mexican grocers
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How it's used in Mexican cooking
Hibiscus Flower (Jamaica), part of the herbs section of the Mexican pantry, appears in 8 recipes in our collection, including Hibiscus Water, Agua de Jamaica con Frutas (Hibiscus Fruit Water) and Courgette Flower Soup. Each recipe shows step by step how it is added, in what quantity and which other ingredients it is paired with — the most reliable guide to how it is actually used in Mexican cooking.
Recipes with Hibiscus Flower (Jamaica)
DrinksHibiscus Water
DrinksAgua de Jamaica con Frutas (Hibiscus Fruit Water)
Sopas Y CaldosCourgette Flower Soup
DrinksAguas Locas (Mexican Fruit Party Punch)
DrinksHibiscus and Ginger Water (Agua de Jamaica)
DrinksHibiscus Water with Mezcal (Agua de Jamaica con Mezcal)
Street FoodHibiscus Flower Quesadillas
DrinksChristmas Ponche with a Kick
Storage and substitutes
How to store it
Fresh herbs keep in the fridge wrapped in slightly damp kitchen paper inside a bag or container, and are best used within a few days. Dried versions (oregano, bay leaf, hibiscus flower) go in an airtight jar away from light and hold their aroma for months.
Substitutes
Epazote and hoja santa have very distinctive flavours with no exact substitute; if you can't find them, it's usually better to leave them out than to swap in another herb. Mexican oregano can be replaced with Mediterranean oregano, though its profile is more citrusy.
Frequently asked questions
How many recipes use Hibiscus Flower (Jamaica)?
Hibiscus Flower (Jamaica) is used in 8 recipes in our collection, such as Hibiscus Water and Agua de Jamaica con Frutas (Hibiscus Fruit Water). The full list, with a photo and link for each recipe, is on this page.
Where can I buy Hibiscus Flower (Jamaica) in the UK?
You can buy Hibiscus Flower (Jamaica) online via the Amazon link on this page, or look for it at Latin American grocers in the UK.
How should Hibiscus Flower (Jamaica) be stored?
Fresh herbs keep in the fridge wrapped in slightly damp kitchen paper inside a bag or container, and are best used within a few days. Dried versions (oregano, bay leaf, hibiscus flower) go in an airtight jar away from light and hold their aroma for months.
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