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Herbal (tisane) · Karkadé

Hibiscus (Karkadé)

Roselle, karkadé, Hibiscus sabdariffa

7.7/10 editor's score

An infusion of the crimson calyces of roselle, domesticated in western Sudan. Drunk hot or iced, as karkadé in Sudan and Egypt.

Caffeine-freeTartIced
↓ Jump to brew guideAbout this herbCompare

Tisane, not from Camellia sinensis. Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

Dried hibiscus calyces, top-down

What you need

2 g dried hibiscusHibiscus (Karkadé)
250 ml water100°C
Steep 5:002 steeps
InfusionDeep ruby red
Served inGlass

At a glance

An infusion of the crimson calyces of roselle, domesticated in western Sudan.

CaffeineCaffeine-free
Beginner fit9.0 / 10From the editor's score
HarvestAutumn to winterCalyces picked after flowering.
Pairs withIce and mint, Dates, Spiced foodLess good with milk
Grown asSavanna lowlandsWestern Sudan, Sudan
Served inGlassToasted at weddings in Egypt and Sudan

About Hibiscus (Karkadé)

What sources say about the taste

Sources describe a tart, strong, cranberry-like flavour 1.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it is grown

Western SudanSudanSUDAN
Plant
Hibiscus sabdariffa, roselle 1
Domesticated
Africa, especially western Sudan 1
Part
Calyces, the red sepals 1
Top producers
China and Thailand 2

More from Western Sudan and Sudan.

History and culture

In Sudan and Egypt, karkadé is a popular drink and is often served warm 12.

In West Africa, roselle juice is often served cold 1.

Editor's score

7.7/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the plant, not a brand. How we score →

1086Flavour & complexity: 6.5Origin & heritage: 7.5Availability: 8.0Value: 9.0Beginner-friendliness: 9.0Versatility: 8.0Flavour 6.5Heritage 7.5Availability 8.0Value 9.0Beginners 9.0Versatility 8.0
Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg
Black tea (average)~47 mg
Green tea (average)~28 mg
Hibiscus (Karkadé)0 mg

Hibiscus is caffeine-free. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo ClinicC.

Harvest calendar

Picked after the rainy season. Tap a month or a season.

The plant

Hibiscus sabdariffa, roselle 2.

How it is made
01Picking

Calyces picked by hand.

02Drying

Sun-dried.

Dry herb and infusion
Dry hibiscusDried, crimson calyces.
LiquorDeep ruby red.
After steeping
Wet leafSoft red calyces.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

  • Ice and mint
  • Dates
  • Spiced food

Best avoided

  • Milk

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

  • Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and moisture.
  • Dried flowers and leaves lose aroma within about a year.
  • Buy small amounts and keep away from spices and coffee, which taint the smell.
Quality and buying

Whole calyces are best.

Buying tips

  1. Turns deep red in seconds.
  2. Can stain cups.
FAQ
Hot or cold?

Both: it is drunk hot or chilled 1.

Find it inHerbal infusionsTeas from SudanWestern SudanCaffeine-freeTartIced

Sources

  1. Wikipedia, "Hibiscus tea". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus_tea
  2. Wikipedia, "Roselle (plant)". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roselle_(plant)
  3. Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.