Hibiscus tea is a herbal tea that’s made by steeping parts of the hibiscus flowers in boiling water. Hibiscus flowers can either be dried to use in tea or can be used fresh. This tea has a tart flavor similar to that of cranberries and can be enjoyed both hot and cold.
Hibiscus is a flowering plant found in parts of the world with warm and tropical climates. These plants are known for their colourful and large flowers. In fact, there are so many species of Hibiscus, the flowers come in all shapes, sizes and colours.
It grows beautifully in India because of the climate. While most commonly used as a decorative element, these flowers also offer culinary and medicinal uses. Last year when I travelled to India, I learned to make this tea, ever since this has been one of my favourite teas. I have brought in stocks of dried flowers for my usage here in Dublin.
Research has uncovered a range of health benefits linked to drinking hibiscus tea, it is super rich in antioxidants, a great immunity booster, lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, reduces the growth of bacteria, helps with period pains, decreases hormonal imbalances and even aids in weight loss.
You can make this with either fresh or dried flowers and choose to have it as a hot cup of tea or as hibiscus iced tea because either way it’s delicious and really good for you! Here I am sharing a recipe for hot tea with dried flowers…..
Ingredients
- 3-4 fresh Hibiscus flowers or 2 tablespoons dried Hibiscus flowers.
- 1 cup Water
- 1 tsp. Honey add more if you like your tea sweater
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice
Method
- Remove the calyx or the green part at the base of the flower to which the stem is attached, if using fresh hibiscus flowers. You can also remove the pistil which is the thin thread-like tube in the middle of the flower which has pollen attached to it or you can choose to keep it! You don’t need to do this if you are using dried flowers.
- Take hibiscus flowers with the water in a large pan or pot. Bring the hibiscus flowers and water to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, switch off the flame and cover the vessel. At this point, you can also add other herbs if you desire.
- Let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes. Mix in the honey and lime juice until completely combined. Strain the tea.
- You can either serve hibiscus tea warm or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Either way, it tastes delicious!
- Enjoy!
