Healthy Hibiscus Tea

Living is not enough…one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.

Hans Christian Andersen

Hibiscus flowers are beautiful, delicate and colourful. Found in the warmer climes of the world there are several hundred varieties. Here in Turkey the Hibiscus is very popular, although we have only seen two different colours; a glorious red and a crisp white one. Hibiscus can be used in several ways – the inner bark is used for rope making, the wood for canoe floats and paper making. Dried hibiscus is edible and can also be candied and used as an attractive food garnish. Did you know that Hibiscus also makes a wonderfully attractive tea? Full of great health benefits it can be enjoyed hot, chilled or as a refreshing cocktail!

Health Benefits of Hibiscus:

• High in antioxidants
• Anti bacterial
• Reduce blood sugar levels
• May assist with lowering blood pressure
• May assist with lowering cholestrol
• May increase liver health
• Assist with menstrual cramps
• Helps with depression
• Aids digestion
• Assists with weight management
• Contains compounds that could prevent cancer
• High in Vitamin C
• Contains minerals such as flavonoids
• Laxative properties

*NB* Hibiscus may lower blood pressure. Please discuss with your Medical Practitioner before use if taking blood pressure medications.

Hibiscus Tea Recipe:

• 8 Cups of fresh Cold Water
• 2 cups freshly rinsed Hibiscus Flowers or 1/2 cup dried Hibiscus Flowers – ideally the dark crimson coloured flowers
• 1/4 cup Honey – add less to start with and add according to taste
• 3 Tablespoons of fresh Lime Juice

Method:

• If using fresh hibiscus flowers, remove the calyx and the pistil before brewing
• Bring the water and the hibiscus flowers to the boil in a large pot
• Remove from heat and cover
• Fresh herbs such as basil, lemon grass or even some lemon zest can be added in at this stage
• Steep for 15-20 minutes
• Mix in the honey and lime juice
• Strain the tea and serve
• Hibiscus Tea can be served either hot or chilled – either way it is refreshingly delicious

Special Spiced Hibiscus Tea Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 Cups of Fresh Cold Water
• 3/4 Cup of Sugar or I prefer 1/2 Cup of Honey
• 1 Cup dried Hibiscus Flowers
• 1/2 Cinnamon Stick
• Several pieces of fresh Root Ginger thinly sliced
• 10 Allspice Berries (optional)
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Sliced Orange or Lime and a sprig of Mint to garnish

Method to Make the Hibiscus Concentrate:

• Place 4 cups of the water and the sugar/honey into a medium sized saucepan
• Add cinnamon, ginger slices, and allspice berries
• Heat until boiling and the sugar/honey has fully dissolved
• Remove from heat
• Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers
• Cover and steep for approximately 20 minutes
• Strain into a glass jug discarding the used hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon stick and allspice berries (I like to toss these into the compost bin)

If you are planing on storing the concentrate, bottle, seal, label and chill at this stage.

Ideas to Use Spiced Hibiscus Tea from Concentrate:

• Add the remaining 4 cups of fresh cold water to the concentrated mixture, crush some ice and chill until ready to serve
• Serve in a tall chilled glass with a slice of orange or lime and a sprig of fresh mint
• Feel like some bubbles? Add chilled soda water instead and ice
• Feeling fancy? Freeze fresh mint leaves with a dash of lime juice and water – add to your Hibiscus Tea
• How about a little Hibiscus Tea Cocktail? Add a dash of vodka and a slice of lime to make it extra special!

{Medical Disclaimer: I am not a medical practitioner or midwife. Please do your own research and consult your medical care provider with any questions}

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