Tiny Fireworks: A Cheer for...Edible Hibicus Flowers
That's what these edible flowers reminded me of when I first saw them: a miniature explosion of fireworks. (Or maybe a tiny prehistoric squid.) One side looks like a long-petaled open flower, and the other side looks like the photo above.
These dried, candied hibiscus flowers are unique and rather pretty - they're a dark pink, with a chewy texture (a little like hard fruit leather), and a dried cherry-cranberry flavor. They are sweetened/candied, so they have more of a dried fruit taste than the taste of fresh edible flowers you may have run across in fancy desserts or fancy salads. They are perfect as an unusual garnish or decoration for cakes, cupcakes, etc. For example, it would be a simple and very elegant touch to place a single flower on top of each ramekin of creme brulee. Today, for the kids, I'm simply going to top some vanilla ice cream with a few of these flowers and some blueberries for a 4th-of-July splash of red, white, and blue.
You'll find the Hibiscus Flowers at Trader Joe's, in bags with the dried fruits.
How interesting! This is a sure conversation starter at any party. I wasn't crazy about the dried rambutan - they had the consistency of dry leather - but I'll try this one!
Reply to this
I love the candied Hibiscus too! They are weird and wonderful. Check out my Mexican Strawberry Jam recipe, which uses them, on my canning blog www.putsup.com . Love your blog and TJ's!
Reply to this
Wow, I never knew that Tiny Fireworks: A Cheer for...Edible Hibicus Flowers. That’s pretty interesting...
Reply to this
Honestly, I never knew that Hibiscus can be eaten. LOL
Reply to this
Wow this is cool post. It that a real rambutan, wow that's so yummy.
The most powerful laser pointer selling online for a cheap and affordable price.
Laser Pointers
Reply to this
I dont believe that Hibicus Flowers can be eaten.
Reply to this
Sadly Trader Joe's has discontinued this fine product in December 2010 and I am so upset since I had been using these Hibiscus Flowers as a medicinal treatment for H.B.P...What can I do now?..Can somebody please help and perhaps we can pull together to get this stuff back onto the shelves soon..Hopefully.
Reply to this
Hi Jan,
I'm sorry to see this unique product go. You can always write Trader Joe's directly (http://www.traderjoes.com/about/product-information-form.asp)and let them know you'd like to see it back on the shelves. Occasionally we have seen a product come back if enough people request it.
In the meantime, many health food grocers sell hibiscus tea which I understand many use to combat hypertension. They may even have the candied dried hibiscus flowers.
Good luck!
Deana
Reply to this