My own little piece of paradise can be found right here in this ice-cold drink of lusciousness. I don’t have to travel to a tropical island to experience the taste and flavor of this Hibiscus Dreamy Tea. However, I can appreciate its tart floral refreshing taste. Not only is this tea loaded with flavor, but it contains Vitamin C and it is also thought to lower blood pressure. Along with other health benefits.
What Is Hibiscus Tea?
Hibiscus (sabdariffa) is also known as sorrel, Jamaica, Agua de jamaica, and Roselle are made from the hibiscus flower that is usually dried. The flowers come in various colors but those most often used for tea are white and red. While hibiscus flowers originated in West Africa, their teas are being served throughout the world in the Middle East, Latin America, and parts of the Caribbean.
Forms of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea comes in many forms, meanwhile, it can be harvested as fresh flowers (then dried), frozen, tea bags, and the most common form is dried. Which leads to the next question where can hibiscus tea be purchased? Due to numerous sources, Hibiscus tea is easy to find. Mainly, it can be purchased online, in Caribbean/International markets, local grocers, vitamin/herbal shops, or organic markets.
I’m in love with the deep magenta color of hibiscus tea (a dark purplish-red color). Probably because it is one of my favorite colors. Classified as herbal tea, hibiscus tea is caffeine-free and low in calories. It is easy to make, and it can be served hot or cold. A tall cold glass is perfect on a hot summer day. Then a warm soothing cup would be lovely on a cold night in front of the fire.
Hibiscus Benefits
Hibiscus is thought to have many medicable uses. For the most part, studies have shown that hibiscus tea contains certain health benefits. As with all foods, moderation is key.
- help to reduce depression
- contribute to weight loss
- reduce blood sugar levels
- manage menstrual cramps
- help with weight loss
- aids in digestion
- act as a diuretic
- boost liver health
- Lowers cholesterol
Hibiscus Side-Effects
Drinking hibiscus tea in moderation is generally considered safe. However, the tea has yet to be approved as a food supplement. Side effects associated with its use are.
- Pregnant women are not advisable to drink hibiscus tea because it can cause too low blood pressure.
- May interfere with some medication: As well as cause irregularities with diabetic medication.
- Birth Control Pill: Regular use of the tea can undermine the effectiveness of the pill because of plant-based compounds that are similar to human estrogen.
Know that the health benefits outweigh the side effects of hibiscus tea. However, be aware of how your body reacts to the tea.
Steps To Making Hibiscus Tea
- Hibiscus tea needs very few ingredients. Water for brewing the tea. Along with hibiscus tea, a 4-quart saucepan, liquid, and dry measuring cup, as well as a strainer to separate the tea from the hibiscus blooms.
- Place the measured hibiscus into a strainer, and give it a rinse under cold water to remove any debris.
- Add the hibiscus and water to a saucepan then bring to a boil. Steep the tea for 10 minutes.
- Strain the liquid into a pitcher.
I’m totally into the health benefits of hibiscus tea. I tend to enjoy an ice-cold glass without sweetener. I love the tart taste along with its herbal-fruity taste. Not everyone likes their tea unsweetened, so try honey, agave, or simple syrup if desired. The tart flavor of hibiscus is similar to cranberry juice, which is enough to add a certain zing to the drink. A slice of lemon and a sprig of mint adds just enough flavor to put me in that dreamy state of mind.
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- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 8 cups water
- Garnish
- sprigs of mint (optional)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- honey, agave, or simple syrup for individual taste (optional)
- Begin by rinsing the dried hibiscus in a strainer under cold water.
- Add the hibiscus flowers and water to a 4-quarter or large pan.
- Then bring the tea to a boil for 10 minutes, then turn off the stove.
- Next, remove the tea from the heat and allow it to steep for 2 hours.
- Now, strain the tea into a pitcher and stir to combine then, refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve the tea over ice and garnish it as needed.
