Physico-Chemical Characterisation of Bissap Tea (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Hibiscus sabdarrifa flowers are known the world over. In Cote d’Ivoire, they are commonly known as “bissap” and are of great interest to local people, who use them to make an eponymous herbal tea. This drink has potential medicinal and nutritional value (Khan et al., 2022). Nine (9) samples of dried flowers of the plant, packaged in 3 g sachets of a local Kuinafo brand, were used for physico-chemical analyses. Heavy metals, mineral salts, ash and moisture content were determined using methods adapted from the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results showed the presence of heavy metals at levels whose intake should take into account the weight of the consumer in the case of mercury and arsenic (0.5 mg/Kg and 0.7 mg/Kg respectively). Apart from lead, whose level was not compliant (1.310 mg/Kg for a CSHPF standard of 0.5 mg/Kg), cadmium had a regulatory level (0.18 mg/Kg for a CSHPF standard of 0.20 mg/Kg). Nutrient intakes were significant (calcium, iron and potassium respectively at 1.79 g/100g; 17.27 mg/100g and 1.76 g/100g of dried Hibiscus sabdarrifa flowers) and the moisture content suggested that the dried flowers were better preserved. The study of the physico-chemical characteristics of Hibiscus sabdarrifa flowers has enabled us to highlight the importance of quality control and the need to prevent any adverse effects on consumer health.