Hibiscus tea is a shockingly easy treat to brew together. Dried hibiscus is steeped in hot water with spices and sugar, then served over ice with citrus. Easy peasy.
Hibiscus tea is rather tart, astringent and bittersweet in flavor. Think of a ramped up cranberry juice that has a bit more complexity.
Hibiscus flowers can be found in Mexican, African, and Indian markets and is easily purchased online. A large bag will usually go only a few dollars.
There are a few great health benefits to hibiscus tea. Medicinally, the tea is popular as a proven diuretic. In addition, the tea contains trace amounts of vitamins C and E.
Preliminary studies have also shown that to can assist in lower blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes and prehypertension. However, evidence to prove that it can ameliorate hypertension is still lacking reliable evidence.
Generally, women who are pregnant are encouraged to avoid hibiscus tea is thought to affect estrogen levels and muscle tension. There aren't any studies to give any solid evidence to these claims one way or another in regards to actual effect or, if there is, how much tea would have to be consumed to demonstrate these effects.
In general, having the occasional glass of hibiscus tea is healthy and perfectly safe. (Not to mention flavorful!)
INGREDIENTS
- 8 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1/2 cinnamon stick
- slices of ginger (optional)
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 5 allspice berries (optional)
- juice of 1 lime or orange (optional)
- Orange or lime slices for garnish
PREPARATION
Place 4 cups of the water and the sugar into a medium sauce pan and place over high heat. Add the cinnamon stick, ginger, star anise, and allspice berries if using. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar dissolves and then remove from heat and stir in the dried hibiscus flowers.
Allow to steep for 30 minutes. Strain out the spices and hibiscus and allow to cool.
At this point you have a solid concentrate that you can save in the fridge or freezer.
Sparkling: Add 4 cups of sparkling water or champagne for a fizzy version of the drink.Stir in the remaining water and add the citrus juice. Chill and serve over ice.
You can mix this up as well. Instead of adding the remaining water try the following variations:
Vodka Refresher: Add 1 1/2 cups of vodka, 2 cups of orange juice, and a splash of triple sec an astounding punch.
Hibiscus Ice: As a refreshing addition to lemonade or other drinks, chill the hibiscus concentrate in an ice tray.
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