Dried hibiscus quality: 7 points to check before you import

Before you close a purchase of bulk dried hibiscus, it pays to check the sample and the documents against a simple list. These are the 7 points buyers look at most.

1. The right part of the plant

What is traded is the calyx of Hibiscus sabdariffa: the fleshy red sepals that surround the seed pod. It is not the petals or the leaves.

2. Whole or cut

Whole calyces keep their colour and natural compounds better, and buyers can cut or extract them to their own needs. About 95% of our product is whole calyces.

3. Colour and flavour

Good dried hibiscus has a deep red colour and a natural tart flavour. The best way to check is to ask for a sample before you buy and look at the colour in good light.

4. Moisture

Low moisture protects colour and flavour during transport and reduces the risk of mould. Ask for the figure on the certificate of analysis. Ours is below 10%.

5. No foreign matter

Soil, sand, stones, stems and weeds lower the quality and can get a lot rejected. That is why every lot is sorted and inspected before packing.

6. No pests

Several countries closely control storage insects in grains and dried products, such as the khapra beetle. Ask how the container is cleaned and treated, and which phytosanitary certificate comes with the shipment.

7. Lab tests and documents

In Europe, hibiscus must meet the limits for pesticide residues, contaminants and microbiology. Many buyers test every batch and approve a sample before shipment. The documents requested most often are the certificate of analysis and the technical data sheet.

Need a specification or a document for your market? Tell us your country when you ask for a quote and we will tell you what we can send.

Sources

• Our website: FAQ
• CBI (Netherlands): Entering the European market for hibiscus
• USDA APHIS (United States): khapra beetle fact sheet
• NAPPO (North American Plant Protection Organization): khapra beetle alert