Hibiscus vs Rosella: Are They the Same Product?

If you have ever ordered dried hibiscus and received a pack labelled rosella, or the other way around, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions we get from wholesale customers, cafes and retail stores. The short answer: in most cases, they are the same plant.

The short answer

Dried hibiscus and dried rosella usually refer to the same ingredient: the deep red calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa. Hibiscus is the genus name, and rosella (also spelled roselle) is the common name for this particular species. Different suppliers, regions and brands simply choose different names for the same thing.

Why does one ingredient have so many names?

Hibiscus sabdariffa is grown and used in warm climates around the world, so it has picked up a name in almost every language and region:

• Hibiscus: the most common name on tea and botanical labels internationally
• Rosella or roselle: widely used in Australia, particularly in Queensland, and in South East Asia
• Flor de Jamaica or jamaica: Mexico and Latin America
• Sorrel: the Caribbean
• Karkade: Egypt and Sudan
• Bissap: West Africa
• Zobo: Nigeria

Pack labels follow the supplier's or brand's preference, which is why two cartons of the same ingredient can carry different names.

What part of the plant is it?

The dried product is not the petal of the flower. It is the calyx, the protective outer layer that surrounds the seed pod. The calyces are harvested, dried and sold whole, cut or as a powder. They have a vivid ruby red colour and a bright, tart, cranberry-like flavour.

A common mix-up: native rosella

In Australia there is one extra source of confusion. The native rosella (Hibiscus heterophyllus) is a different species that grows wild along the east coast. Then there is the crimson rosella, which is a parrot and has nothing to do with tea at all. When you see "Hibiscus Rosella" on a product listing, it refers to Hibiscus sabdariffa, the cultivated species used worldwide in teas and beverages.

How to check what you have

If you want to be certain which product you are buying, check:

1. The botanical name on the specification sheet. You are looking for Hibiscus sabdariffa.
2. The form: whole or cut dried calyces, or powder.
3. The product code: a code is the most reliable way to reorder the same item, whatever name is printed on the pack.

Common uses

Dried hibiscus (rosella) is traditionally used in:

• Herbal and fruit tea blends
• Cold brew iced teas and refreshers
• Cordials, syrups and jams
• Baking, desserts and cocktail garnishes
• Natural colouring in beverages and foods

How to brew hibiscus tea

• Hot: 2 g to 3 g of dried calyces per 250 mL of water at 95 °C to 100 °C, steeped for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Cold brew: 5 g per 500 mL of cold water, refrigerated for 6 to 8 hours, then strained.

Adjust to taste. It is naturally tart, so many people add honey, citrus or mint.

Frequently asked questions

Is hibiscus tea the same as rosella tea?

Usually yes. Both normally refer to tea made from the dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Is rosella the same as native Australian hibiscus?

No. The native rosella is a different species. The rosella used for tea is the cultivated Hibiscus sabdariffa.

Why does my pack say hibiscus when I ordered rosella?

The names are interchangeable in the trade, and packaging may use either. Check the product code and botanical name if you want to confirm.

Is the whole flower used?

No. The red calyx is the part that is dried and sold.

Can I buy hibiscus in bulk for my business?

Yes. The Herbal Connection supplies wholesale dried hibiscus (rosella) in a range of pack sizes for cafes, retailers, tea blenders and food manufacturers. Contact sales@herbalconnection.com.au for details.

Buying wholesale hibiscus (rosella)

The Herbal Connection is a Gold Coast based wholesale supplier of herbs, spices, teas and botanicals, with HACCP certification and a 5-Star Eat Safe rating. If you have a question about a product name, specification or label, our team is happy to help.

This product is a food ingredient. Product information is provided for general reference and traditional use only.