SAY IT WITH FLOWERS
FIRMENICH, the world’s largest privately owned fragrance and flavour company, has announced hibiscus as Flavour of the Year for 2019 based on the growing appeal of florals in food and drink, and the trend towards curiosity in consumption, FOODSTUFF SA reports.
According to Firmenich insights, use of hibiscus in food and beverage new product launches has increased nearly 300% compared to 2012. Top categories include yoghurt, beer, tea, and chocolates, with most occurring in the US, Brazil, Mexico, and Denmark, and showing faster growth in European countries like Spain and Italy.
Hibiscus flowers are not only beautiful, but they’re also healthy and have been used in herbal remedies for centuries. Egyptians, who drink hibiscus tea at any time of day, have used it to cool the body and treat heart and nerve diseases. It’s also used throughout Africa to treat cold symptoms; and pulp made from the leaves was applied to the skin to heal wounds.