Hibiscus Tea
Is made from the deep crimson flowers of the Hibiscus sabadariffa tree and is often referred to as Roselle. Cultures throughout history have enjoyed hibiscus tea, from the Pharaohs of ancient Egypt to many countries in Central America and the Caribbean. These flowers are rich in nutrients including flavonoids, minerals, and vitamin C. Medical studies have shown that Hibiscus tea is extremely effective at lowering high blood pressure and reducing high cholesterol levels.
– In one study, hibiscus tea was almost as good at lowering blood pressure as a hypertension drug.
– Lowering high blood and cholesterol reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney failure. Drinking hibiscus tea has also been found to be beneficial for people with kidney problems as it acts as a natural diuretic.
Recipe:
– 48 ounces of water
– 3 Tablespoon Hibiscus flowers (organically grown)
– 2 cinnamon sticks (optional)
– 1/8 cup sugar or other sweetener (optional – it is already a little sweet)
– 1 small orange sliced, (to make it look pretty and add a little citrus flavor)
– Ice to serve (also optional – I like mine at room temperature)
– I lemon cut in wedges
• Bring water to light boil, turn off heat add the hibiscus flowers (optional: for extra spice and nutrients add the cinnamon sticks.)
o Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain tea into desired container, add sugar and orange slices and serve over ice. Garnish each glass with a lemon slice
o Note: when using herbs in tea making, longer is not better. Heating the herbs for extended time can release unfavorable qualities and bitterness. The key is to add more herbs to strengthen the flavor
Organic hibiscus can be purchased locally from Roberts’s in Fairfax (by Trader Joes).