Hibiscus Tea (Agua de Jamaica) - Health Benefits and Risks
This ruby red floral flavored hibiscus tea is one of the most traditional tea that is as beautiful as it is tasty. Easy to make and great addition to afternoon tea party.
15fresh hibiscus flower petalsor ½ cup dried hibiscus petals
2inchFresh gingera few thin slices (adjust quantity on how strong or less you want)
1small lemon grass
1teaspoonall spice berries
1cinnamon stick
½cupbasil leaves
2limejuiced
½cupraw honeyor other sweeteners – stevia, sugar
Ice cubes
For Garnish
Ice cubes
Fresh basil leaves sprigs
Lemon grass stick
Lemon slices
Instructions
You can make this tea both hot or cold and drink it all year long no matter what the weather is outside. But please take in moderation.
From fresh flower petals
1. Separate the petals of the flower. Discard the calyx and pistil of the flower.
2. Rinse it well.
3. For every 4 cups of water, use 8-10 flowers of hibiscus.
Pro-Tip:If you want to strong flavored tea, use more flowers than mentioned above.
Note: Do not steep tea for longer time. It might make the tea taste bitter.
4. Boil water and hibiscus petals in a large pot. Once water begins to boil, remove from heat.
5. At this stage you can add in more flavors to the tea. We added ginger, lemon grass, all spice berries, cinnamon stick, basil leaves to the tea for flavors.
6. Cover tight and let the tea steep for 15 minutes.
Pro-Tip: Do not steep tea for longer. It will turn bitter. If you want strong hibiscus flavor add more flower petals instead of steeping longer.
7. Strain the tea and discard the petals and all other ingredients in the tea.
8. This tea concentrate can be refrigerated and used as you want.
9. If you like to drink it hot, simple warm it up, add lemon juice and honey. Stir and drink up.
10. And if you want to make hibiscus iced tea, refrigerate the concentrate mixed with lemon and honey.
11. Once chilled serve it with a cup of chilled water or ice cubes to dilute. Dilute it as per your preference. You can keep it strong as you like or dilute it with more ice.
12. Serve it garnish with fresh basil leaves, few lemon slices and a lemon grass for stirring. Oh talk about fancy stirring!
From Dried Hibiscus Petals
For 4 cups of water, use about ½ cup of dried petals. Pour boiling hot water over the dried petals and let it steep. You can add in more flavors with basil, lemon grass, cinnamon. Follow the same steps mentioned for fresh petals.
Video
Notes
Nutritional Info - Please keep in mind that nutritional information provided is only a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.