Hibiscus tea with ginger
Hibiscus tea with ginger (West African style) is a vibrant, ruby-red herbal infusion made from dried hibiscus petals (known as 'bissap' in Senegal or 'zobo' in Nigeria) simmered with fresh ginger root. It is a beloved, refreshing beverage across West Africa, often sweetened with sugar or honey and sometimes flavored with mint, pineapple, or cloves. The drink is a staple at social gatherings, markets, and family meals, serving as both a daily refreshment and a celebratory drink.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This tea is naturally very low in calories, carbohydrates, fat, and protein, with most of its caloric content coming from any added sweeteners. It is a rich source of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins from the hibiscus, and provides a good amount of vitamin C and minerals like potassium, while the ginger adds anti-inflammatory compounds.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 35 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbs | 8.5 g |
| Fat | 0.1 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 5 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Potassium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Magnesium | 5 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.3 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.02 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a symbol of hospitality and community, often served in large communal bowls at celebrations. Nutritionally, it's prized not just for refreshment but also for its traditional use in supporting digestion, immune health, and managing blood pressure, making it a functional beverage with deep roots in West African foodways.
