The fresh hibiscus flowers must first be harvested, dried, and stored in an airtight container before you can make hibiscus tea.
KAMPALA | LIFESTYLE UGANDA — Before you can start brewing your hibiscus tea, you need to first harvest the fresh hibiscus flowers. Then, dry them. Store dried hibiscus flowers in an airtight container.
Eight to 10 dried hibiscus petals will make one standard pot of tea. If you plan to use the flowers for a variety of teas, you will need to dry a large quantity before using them.
Once the flower is dried, you can add it to the tea. You can also add cinnamon or mint leaf to enhance its taste. Then, strain the tea with a fine sieve. You can either drink it hot or cold.
You can also make a drink with hibiscus flowers if you prefer. You can add a bit of honey or agave instead of sugar. You can also use soda water as a substitute for sugar.
Before making tea with dried hibiscus flowers, make sure you wash them thoroughly to remove pesticides and other contaminants.
You will want to place them in a single layer, facing upwards, in a cool, dry, and preferably wind-free area. It will take anywhere from three to five days for the flowers to completely dry.
Alternatively, you can also use a dehydrator to speed up the process. Make sure that the dehydrator is on the lowest setting and is able to provide enough pressure to dry the petals.
After the petals are dried, you can use them to make hibiscus tea. You can use them in a teapot for brewing or in a large bottle for cold brew.
For stronger tea, add a few teaspoons of crushed ingredients to boiling water. Add enough petals to the water for five to six minutes and allow it to steep.
To make a weaker tea, you can steep the flowers for two to three hours. Afterwards, you can strain the petals out with a tea filter.
Hibiscus tea is packed with antioxidants. It fights harmful molecules known as free radicals that damage cells. Inflammation is a key factor in many illnesses. Drinking hibiscus tea may help lower your blood pressure.
Furthermore, it can help reduce blood sugar in diabetics. It has many other health benefits as well. In fact, drinking hibiscus tea every day has been shown to lower blood pressure.
Hibiscus tea is a delicious herbal infusion. Its crimson color will brighten your day. If you’re planning a fancy event, try serving hibiscus tea.
It is also delicious for an afternoon treat. Add hibiscus tea to your tea collection for a more festive occasion. The beauty of the flower makes it a great addition to your tea-making repertoire.
Hibiscus tea is not safe for pregnant women or people taking hormonal medications. If you’re pregnant, consult a medical professional before drinking it.
Hibiscus tea is known to alter the amount of estrogen in the body.
If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before drinking this herbal tea.
It is safe to consume the flowers while pregnant, but if you’re pregnant, consult your doctor before you consume them.
See also: The Best Way to Dry Hibiscus Flowers for Tea from nowthendigital.com for more information on drying hibiscus flowers.
