Hibiscus sabdariffa

The hibiscus consists of two parts. It is harvested when the plant begins to bear fruit, because only then does the flower take on its characteristic purple color.

The largest commercial producers of hibiscus are Sudan, Egypt, China, Mexico and Thailand.

It is an important ingredient in most fruit teas, they make syrup from it in Mexico, and it is often used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine.

In Cambodia, it is used to make a popular tea with lime juice and sugar, which can be drunk both hot and cold.

This colorful, edible flower can also be used to decorate dishes, and is also used in salads and curries.