The flowers and leaves of the hibiscus plant are widely known to have an abundance of benefits for the skin and hair. In fact, at home in India, we often make a concoction of coconut oil simmered with hibiscus flowers and curry leaves to apply on the hair.
Having been in the UAE for more than a decade now, I have always seen dried hibiscus flower petals in the supermarkets and the spice markets which have bags full of dried fruits, flowers and spices on sale. The shop sellers informed me that the hibiscus flowers help lower blood pressure. A little research on the internet revealed I had stumbled upon hibiscus tea and it seems to be a popular drink in several parts of the world, hot or cold. Especially in the scorching heat these days I enjoy sweet hibiscus tea as a refreshing drink served over plenty of ice. The color of the drink is particularly inviting and it has a deliciously crisp, tangy, and tart taste.
Hibiscus tea may be prepared by adding dried or fresh hibiscus flowers to boiling water until they release their colorful and flavorful essence. I like to add a small cinnamon stick while brewing the tea and sometimes a dash of lime before serving. The rosy red colour of hibiscus is in itself stunning. The tea could be made more inviting by using dried rose petals for decoration. One may garnish with any other ingredient such as mint.
It is known to have an abundance of health benefits including the management of cholesterol levels and is also rich in several vitamins and minerals.
Now, sipping on a glass of chilled hibiscus tea and settling down with a nice book is one of my favorite things to do during the long summer days.
In addition to being visually stunning, as you mentioned, this tea is chock full of health benefits. Mother nature gave us quite a gift with this dazzling tea. I’m not a huge ice tea drinker but hibiscus is an exception and is a must have beverage during the dog days of summer. It seems to quench ones thirst remarkably well. Love the idea of adding cinnamon. I’ll be sure to try that next time. Now there’s a spice that’s got its fair share of health benefits as well!
True Michelle. Hibiscus tea is a winner all the way.
Hibiscus tea is a delightful flower tea. Just like the Jasmine,Rose,Orange blossom teas, Hibiscus offers its own little unique world. Bright color with tart/tangy taste and mixes well with fruits. Ive tried a blueberry/hibiscus ice tea which was really good. The management of cholesterol and blood pressure has been associated with this flower tea for a long time, its Antioxidant properties benefit those with high blood pressure.
Blueberry and hibiscus sounds like a unique combination.Would love to try it.