Specification sheet
Hibiscus, El Rahad grade
PW-SPEC-HIB-01 · v1.0 · September 2026
1. Product & origin
Sudanese hibiscus — karkade — is the origin the world's trade prices the crop against, and El Rahad grade is its benchmark: deep red calyces, hand-sorted, with a minimum extract content of 41 percent.
2. Specification
Whole calyx, El Rahad grade
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Moisture | 12 % max. |
| Color | Purple-red |
| Extract content | 41 % min. |
| Total acids (as hibiscic acid) | 25 to 30 % |
| Vitamin C (as ascorbic acid) | 80 to 100 mg/100 g |
| Total anthocyanin, dry basis | 0.9 to 1.6 g/100 g |
| pH of aqueous infusion | 2.7 to 3.1 |
| Water-insoluble solids | 36 to 38 % |
| Protein | 5 % max. |
| Fiber (dry flower) | 15 % min. |
| Reducing sugar | 12 % max. |
| Ash and mineral salts | 10 % max. |
| Impurities / foreign matter | 2 % max. |
| Each shipment travels with a certificate of analysis on the parameters SSMO certifies as standard for dried calyx. Extract content, anthocyanin, pesticide residues, heavy metals and microbiology can be run through an international laboratory on request. Steam sterilization is available where a buyer's microbiological limits require it. | |
3. Applications brief
It brews the hibiscus teas of Europe and the Americas, colors and sharpens beverages and syrups naturally, and gives confectionery and food formulations a clean tartness and a red no synthetic matches for provenance appeal. Whole calyx where the flower is seen; sifting where it is brewed and extracted; powder made to order.
4. Packaging & storage
Whole calyx, El Rahad grade. Packing: new PP bags, double-stitched, 20 to 25 kg or 10 kg.
Siftings. Packing: new PP bags, double-stitched, 20 to 25 kg or 10 kg.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bag | New PP bags, double-stitched, 20 to 25 kg or 10 kg |
| 40-ft container | 12 MT |
| Shipping | FCL ocean freight, 40-ft dry container; 20-ft on request |
| HS code | 1211.90 (dried hibiscus calyx) |
| Shelf life | 24 months in cool, dry, ventilated storage, out of direct light |
Storage. Shelf life 24 months in cool, dry, ventilated storage, out of direct light.
5. Documentation
Every export lot ships with a certificate of analysis; supporting records available on request.