Hibiscus Tea

 Hibiscus Tea

with

Strawberry for cuteness

I have seen flor de Jamaica (Hibiscus) all my life in taco shops and Mexican markets, but never gave much attention to it. Years latter I was on a diet of Starbucks Passion Tea and  Honey Oatmeal bars, (don't ask me how this diet came about, I think I was just poor at the time) when I started to enjoy the flavor of Hibiscus, one of the many ingredients in Passion Tea. When I married I rediscovered this yummy drink , only this time the name had changed  to karkadé.

I got hooked again on this non-caffeinated tea during pregnancy. Supposedly Hibiscus has blood pressure lowering qualities , but I can't back that up with research. It was however  a great help to me as a flavor saver in pregnancy teas. Now days I just drink it with a bit of sugar ...okay a lot of sugar.

The tea is dark red and refreshing to drink as well as admire in a pretty glass. It seems to quench my thirst better than regular black ice tea on a hot day.

The way I make my tea is simple.           

1.  I start with a large pot, fill with purified water.  Purified water gives  a clean  taste to any beverage. It makes a real difference in drink quality.
2. Add in your Hibiscus flowers.  This is relative to how big a pot you are making and how strong of a flavor you want. I like a strong tea, so I use about 3 handfuls to a pot. A strong flavor gives this tea a juice like quality.
3. Bring your flowers to a boil, for just a minute then turn of heat. At this time I add my sweetener( to taste).
4. I cover the pot with a lid and let sit for an hour or two. The way my brewing method works is, when I remember the tea again it is ready. Once the tea is perfect strain out your flowers and pour into a pitcher or storage container. Do not cover until cool.

In my home town Hibiscus flowers are easy to find, just about every grocery store has them. If you have tried and failed to find them in major supermarket try the smaller international markets. In middle eastern markets the flower is called Karkadé and in Hispanic markets flor de Jamaica. You can also find Hibiscus at health food stores sometimes in a tea blends.

This brewing method is not the only one out and about, but it works splendidly in my opinion. After brewing a pot or two you will find your way with this tea and develop your own preferences. Enjoy and expect good things!