Renowned for its delicious flavor and many virtues, bissap is a drink made by infusing roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), a variety of hibiscus. Red and delicious, this traditional drink is widely consumed in many African countries, from Senegal to Guinea, from Mali to Benin, including Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon. Consumed both hot and cold, bissap has an aromatic fragrance reminiscent of red berries and a slightly tart taste.
Exquisite and thirst-quenching, bissap juice is also consumed in Africa for its nutritional properties and health benefits.
To begin with, bissap is said to promote digestion and transit thanks to its diuretic action. It also has hypotensive properties, helps combat high blood pressure and protects the heart, thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
Drinks made from hibiscus sabdariffa have also been used since ancient times for their calming powers, particularly against insomnia and anxiety. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, this ingredient is said to tone the body, helping to combat temporary bouts of fatigue, as well as having a revitalizing and anti-aging effect. In Africa, we often say that bissap is energy to drink!
INGREDIENTS (for 1.5 liters of juice)
- 1 cup hibiscus leaves
- 1.5 liters boiling water
- 50g sugar
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- A few mint leaves
- 10 cl pineapple juice (optional)
PREPARATION
- Boil water and petals for 25 minutes
- Remove from heat, allow to cool, then filter.
- Let simmer for about ten minutes.
- Add the sugar, orange blossom, mint leaves and nutmeg (and pineapple juice if you like).
- Chill.
- Serve with ice cubes and enjoy!
