A long-time favorite in many cultures, hibiscus tea is consumed for its refreshing taste, health benefits and tradition. Hibiscus tea is made from the flowers of the Hibiscus sabdariffa plant. Brewing these colorful, dried flowers makes a tart and tangy caffeine-free beverage that is thought to have health benefits because of its antioxidant content. Some research suggests hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure and normalize cholesterol levels.
To flavor hibiscus tea, add a flavoring of your choice, such as cinnamon, ginger, lemon, lime or orange juice.
Do not over-steep hibiscus flowers, which could make the drink bitter.
8 cups filtered water
1 to 2 cups dried hibiscus flowers (depending on your preference for flavor strength)
Medium saucepan with a cover
Spoon
Fine mesh strainer
Pitcher
Step 1
Pour filtered water into a saucepan. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Step 2
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add hibiscus flowers. Stir once and cover.
Step 3
Steep hibiscus flowers for 20 minutes. Strain the liquid over a pitcher with a mesh strainer to catch the dried flowers.
Step 4
Serve hibiscus tea immediately for hot tea or refrigerate and serve over ice for chilled tea.
Tips
Warnings
Things You'll Need
References
- Food and Chemical Toxicology: Hibiscus anthocyanins-rich extract inhibited LDL oxidation and oxLDL-mediated macrophages apoptosis.
- Purdue University Center for New Crops and Plant Products: Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
- USDA Agricultural Research Service: Study Shows Consuming Hibiscus Tea Lowers Blood Pressure
- Simply Recipes: Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea)
- The Food Network: Hibiscus Tea
Tips
- To flavor hibiscus tea, add a flavoring of your choice, such as cinnamon, ginger, lemon, lime or orange juice.
Warnings
- Do not over-steep hibiscus flowers, which could make the drink bitter.
Writer Bio
Hillary E. Berner is a registered dietitian and certified dietitian-nutritionist. She specializes in the areas of medical nutrition therapy, weight management, healthy cooking and behavioral health. Berner holds a Master of Science in nutrition and a Bachelor of Science in dietetics.