Wonderful Red Punch from Gambia/Senegal

[ItsAllGood]

Hi all on our recent visit to Senegal and the Gambia we tasted a red drink (like a punch) at the hotel (Le Meridian). It was very good.
At one of the local markets I purchased a bag of the leaves to make the tea/drink.........but I forgot the name of the drink.
Are the red leaves from the Balboa Tree? or some other tree?
What is the drink called?
Thanks in advance

[Liquesce]

Originally Posted by ItsAllGood

Hi all on our recent visit to Senegal and the Gambia we tasted a red drink (like a punch) at the hotel (Le Meridian). It was very good.
At one of the local markets I purchased a bag of the leaves to make the tea/drink.........but I forgot the name of the drink.
Are the red leaves from the Balboa Tree? or some other tree?
What is the drink called?
Thanks in advance

I've never been to Senegal so I certainly can't help with the name, but if it was red, chilled, sweet, and a little citrusy, my guess would be that it's hibiscus.

[svmaine]

Yep, that would be my guess too. I've been to Senegal, briefly, but I don't remember having it, though it was a few too many years ago.

[mamefati28]

Yes, it is hibiscus.
This drink is called bissap. It is made from the leaves. Boil them and add a sweatner. Very popular in Senegal and Gambia and used for a good energy kick.
Hope you enjoyed your trip!
Jah Jef!

[ItsAllGood]

THAT"S it Bissap !! Thank you all so very much.
Okay so I wonder if it is the same form of the hibiscus leaves here in Florida, USA ??

[suerob]

This super drink is indeed made from hibiscus (bissap) - Hibiscus sabdariffa - but not from the leaves. It's an infusion of the red flowers and in The Gambia is often known as Wonjo.

The leaves are used, though as a vegetable such as spinach might be used.