Hibiscus Tea
An Oldie but Goodie
It's holiday time again, and the search is on for a super drink creation that will amaze your guests. This year why not plan something healthy and great tasting you can serve hot or cold, with or without spirits? Hibiscus tea is the go-to drink for seekers of wellness all over the world, and yes, it fits the bill for an exquisite taste as well.
Perhaps you have seen the Hibiscus sabdariffa, growing up to 15 feet in all its giant, bushy glory. These beautiful plants show off huge, colorful flowers, sometimes the size of dinner plates, throughout the warmer months. To create the 'herbal tea,' the flowers are dried and then crushed. A simple recipe extracts the juice, which is then added to water or other liquids and mixed with sweeteners, herbs, fruits, spices, and other imaginative treats.
Native to North Africa and Southeast Asia, in ancient times, the dried Hibiscus leaves were used to create tea, then used for relaxation, rejuvenation of the spirit, and healing of the body. We can still use this drink today for the same self-care measures. Commonly referred to as an 'herbal tea,' it is actually not a proper 'tea.' Instead, it is a 'tisane' or 'herbal infusion' since Hibiscus is a non-tea herbal plant.
Caffeine-free and chocked full of vitamin C, Hibiscus tea is said to promote better circulation, relieve constipation, aid in sleep disorders, soothe a sore throat, and treat high blood pressure, obesity, heart disease, and high cholesterol. While there can be many health benefits from herbal remedies, always check with your doctor for potential allergies, risks, or reactions in your own health journey.
Above all, enjoy this ancient herbal tea this holiday season for its health benefits and just for the taste of it. You will love it, and your guests will love it too!
Directions
Add 1 cup of dried Hibiscus to 2 cups of boiled water.
Steep the mixture for 10 to 15 minutes.
Strain the juice.
Add the liquid to 1 liter of water.
Chill, add ice, and serve cold.
Variations: Combine the juice with additional hot water, honey, sweetener, or mulling spices. Serve as hot 'tea.'
Additions: Honey, sweetener, cinnamon, lemon, lime, orange, strawberry, raspberry, raspberry leaves, mint leaves, mineral water, coconut water, vodka, soda water.
This article first appeared in the Traveler Weekly Newspaper November, 2022
