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.
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 cocktails, 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?
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?
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
- Hibiscus Tea (the most popular being Red Zinger)
- Sweetened and dried Hibiscus Flowers, with the texture and taste of dried cranberries.
- Candied Jamaica in syrup
- Jamaica Flower Drink
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
- Give the dried flowers a quick rinse to get rid of any dust or particles.
- 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.
- 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 Cocktail {Jamaica Mimosas}
9. Jamaica-Braised Breakfast Sausage
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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 @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!
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Enriqueta E Lemoine says
What a versatile ingredient! I love hibiscus tea, hot and chilled! And Margaritas. And tacos!
Veronica says
He probado margaritas, té y quesadillas. Ahora sumo las delicias de este post a nuestro menú.
Kate Ramos says
Que bueno Veronica!!! Espero que le encantan!!
Patricia Zerpa says
Amo el té de Jamaica, puedo tomar jarras enteras. Estoy enamorada de todas las opciones que regalas en este post. Esta genial
Kate Ramos says
Gracias Patricia! Espero que puedes probar algunos. 🙂
Blanca D says
I love Jamaica! I haven’t use it in something different than aqua fresca though. But I want to make some tacos.
Kate Ramos says
Yes, give it a try in other recipes. The flavor is so good in so many different ways.
Deliciosamente light says
Pega con todas las recetas donde la utilizas.
Kate Ramos says
Muchísimas Gracias!!!
Vanessa Mota says
I absolutely ADORE the flavor of flor de Jamaica! and thank you so much for including where to get them!
Susan says
Thanx for the useful and authentic recipee you have share with this article
it will be surely beneficial for everyone.
Kate Ramos says
That’s great! Thank you!
protectivefilms says
It’s such an amazing recipe, Thanks for sharing.
angel says
could you give me the name of the plant and the proper way to grow, pick, dry and store Agua de Jamaica. I would like to grow my own thank you
Carra says
Hi Kate –
I have grown Roselle Hibiscus and dried my own hibiscus calyxes so I always enjoy finding new recipes. I am making the cookies right now. : ) Thank you!
Would you please email me? I would like to discuss something with you.
Thank you!