Chilled · Hibiscus Drink

Karkadé (Hibiscus Tea)

📷 Closely related photo — Photo: Gabi Miranda / Unsplash · Unsplash License

Sudan is one of the world's largest exporters of dried hibiscus (roselle) petals — the crimson flower behind this drink is a major cash crop grown mainly around Kordofan and Darfur.

Karkadé is a deep-crimson infusion made by steeping dried roselle (hibiscus) petals in hot water, then straining and sweetening it, served either warm in small glasses or ice-cold from big jugs. Street vendors and tea ladies (sitat al-shai) sell it from carts and folding tables on nearly every corner, especially during Ramadan evenings.

Why it's made this way: Roselle has been cultivated in Sudan for centuries and the tart, cranberry-like drink is so woven into hospitality customs that offering a glass of karkadé to a guest is considered a basic gesture of welcome.