At a glance
- Bissap: a sweet infusion of dried hibiscus flowers, served iced
- Origin: West Africa, particularly Senegal
- Key ingredients: dried bissap flowers, water, cane sugar, mint
- A drink served at meals and at family gatherings
Origins and cultural history of bissap
The hibiscus used for bissap, Hibiscus sabdariffa, is native to West Africa, where its cultivation has been documented for several centuries in Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. Its use as an infused drink goes back to antiquity in Egypt and Sudan, under the name karkade, before it became a major social drink in West Africa.
In Senegal, the name bissap comes from Wolof. The drink accompanies meals, weddings and gatherings between loved ones, and embodies teranga, Senegalese hospitality. Depending on the country, it goes by other names: dah or Guinea sorrel in Côte d'Ivoire, zobo in Nigeria, sorrel in the English-speaking Caribbean.
What are the essential ingredients of bissap
The bissap recipe comes down to a few simple ingredients, found in African grocery stores.
- dried bissap flowers (red hibiscus)
- water
- cane sugar
- mint
- orange blossom water
What to know about bissap
Bissap is a sweet infusion of dried hibiscus flowers, a lovely red, served well chilled over ice. It is flavored with mint and, if you like, orange blossom water. In Senegal, it is served with meals, at weddings and whenever family and friends get together.
Frequently asked questions about bissap
How do you keep homemade bissap?
Once strained and sweetened, bissap keeps for three to five days in the refrigerator, in a closed bottle or container. Serve it very cold, with ice cubes.
Can bissap be adapted for children?
Yes: reduce the amount of sugar, or dilute the drink with still or sparkling water just before serving. The orange blossom water can also be left out without changing the balance of the recipe.
Where to find bissap ingredients in France?
NKOSI sells the dried bissap flowers, cane sugar and orange blossom water, and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
