Introduction: |
Hibiscus flowers also known as roselle are ideal for brewing hibiscus tea, a smooth, relaxing, naturally caffeine-free drink with a fragrant aroma and a tangy, cranberry-like flavor. Gaze into your teacup and you'll see rehydrated hibiscus flowers serenely floating in the deep magenta-colored tea. Hot hibiscus tea is soothing in the winter, while iced hibiscus tea delivers a cool kick in the summer.
Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output. In foods and beverages, hibiscus is used as a flavoring. It is also used to improve the odor, flavor, or appearance of tea mixtures. |
Preparation Methods: |
Use around 1 to 2 flowers (2g/0.07 oz) for every 225 ml of water. Steep the hibiscus flower in hot water at 90°c (194°F) to 95°c (203°F) for 2 to 4 minutes, or until the liquor turns light red. You may try brewing them with a bit of rock sugar. Serves well hot or cold. It is also suitable to be brewed with goji berry, rose buds, peppermint leaves, honeysuckle, sweet stevia or lemongrass. |