Hibiscus Tea

Incredibly cooling and refreshing, hibiscus tea is one of my favorite drinks to make in the summertime!  Since I brew it myself, it’s naturally gluten-free as well as caffeine-free.

It has certain properties that could make it a winner in your house.  Though there are still more studies on the potency of green tea, according to Michael Greger M.D, “hibiscus does appear to have anti-inflammatory properties, help lower high blood pressure, help lower uric acid levels in gout sufferers, and improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in pre-diabetics and diabetics.” Plus, this beautiful red tea is loaded with antioxidants that ranks at the top of the list right next to green tea!

How to Make Hibiscus Tea

Hibiscus tea is literally made from beautiful hibiscus flowers that many of us would associate with the tropics.  And that is indeed where they naturally grow!  In fact, the Spanish word for Hibiscus is “Jamaica” (yes, the same as the Caribbean island) pronounced “ha-MY-ka”.

I actually learned this recipe from my friend’s mother since it’s a popular drink in Oaxaca, Mexico (where they are from).  I will either order the dried flowers online or I can sometimes find them at local Mexican Grocery Stores sold in bags.  I’ve made it year after year and look forward to the summer since I know that this will be in our fridge all the time!  My husband loves it and asks for it every year.

One of the greatest things about this tea is that you brew a concentrated liquid from which you can then make your tea.  The concentrate is created from the dried flowers and water cooking on the stove and then can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks (if it even lasts that long before everyone drinks it).

A word of caution — this intensely colored tea will stain.  So I’d advise you to avoid wearing anything that you’d not want permanently dyed should some splash.  I’ve found out the hard way years ago and would not want to see you make this same mistake.

Since so many teas out there can be loaded with tons of junk that can at times contain gluten (sad, but true), it’s great when you can make your own tea that will help you stay cool and drink enough water in the summer months.  Not only can you enjoy this tea as is, but you can add your own additional flares of mint, fresh lemon or lime as well.  If you need a bit more sweetness, you can add stevia or your own sweetener of choice.  Though I usually sweeten my store-bought teas, I love Hibiscus Tea as is.  It’s got an incredible flavor that I know you’ll love!

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Hibiscus Tea

Simple, refreshing tea made from dried hibiscus flowers that's is an incredibly tasty, cooling drink for the summertime!

Course Drinks

Cuisine International

Gluten Free Courses Gluten Free Drinks

Prep Time 5 Minutes

Cook Time 30 Minutes

Ingredients

• 3 Handfuls Dried hibiscus blossoms Rinsed well under cool water
• 6-8 Cups Water
• Stevia or Fresh mint, lemon, or lime slices (Optional)

Instructions

1. Place blossoms and water in a pot and bring to a boil for about 8 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to steep for another 15 to 20 minutes. Allow liquid to cool and then strain liquid into a container (preferably glass) that you’ll be able to put in the fridge. You’ve now created the concentrate.
2. Just as everyone will like their tea at different strengths, the same goes for this. I personally like to start with about 1/3 glass filled with the concentrate and then adding cool water and adjust from there. If you want it a bit sweeter, add a serving of stevia. You can also garnish with some fresh mint or citrus slices.