Hibiscus tea can be prepared by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in hot water for about five to 10 minutes. The drink has a naturally tart flavour, a deep red colour and can be served hot or cold, with sweeteners and other ingredients added according to preference.
The tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it an alternative to caffeinated drinks such as coffee and conventional black tea.
How to prepare hibiscus tea
To make the drink, rinse dried hibiscus flowers thoroughly with clean water and place them in a heat-resistant teapot or kettle. Pour in boiling water and allow the flowers to steep for five to 10 minutes, depending on the desired strength.
Cover the vessel while the tea steeps to retain heat and help preserve its aroma. The water will gradually take on a reddish colour as the flowers release their pigments.
Strain the mixture through a tea filter to remove the flowers before serving. Steeping for longer may produce a stronger, more tart flavour, so the preparation time can be adjusted to suit individual preferences.
Ingredients to improve the flavour
Hibiscus tea can be consumed on its own or combined with other ingredients to balance its acidity.
Lemon or lime juice can add a citrus flavour, while fresh mint leaves provide an additional herbal note. Cinnamon can also be used to introduce a warm, spicy taste.
Honey, sugar, agave syrup or a suitable sugar substitute can be added for sweetness. Sugar and other sweeteners generally dissolve more readily in hot tea, although they can also be stirred into a cold drink.
The tea can be served immediately while warm or cooled and served over ice. A slice of lime can be added as a garnish.
What does research say about hibiscus tea’s health effects?
Hibiscus tea has been studied for its possible effects on blood pressure and cholesterol, although the available evidence does not establish it as a treatment for these conditions.
A 2022 systematic review published in Nutrition Reviews, which examined 17 clinical trials, found that hibiscus consumption was associated with a reduction in systolic blood pressure compared with a placebo. The researchers also reported a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), commonly called bad cholesterol, but found no significant overall effects on total cholesterol, triglycerides or high-density lipoprotein (HDL), commonly called good cholesterol. The authors said further research was needed to establish effective doses and treatment duration.
The US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health also notes that evidence supporting hibiscus and other dietary supplements for lowering blood pressure remains limited. Hibiscus tea should not replace prescribed medication or professional medical advice.
People taking medication for high blood pressure or other conditions should consult a healthcare professional before regularly consuming hibiscus tea for medicinal purposes, as interactions may be possible.
Where to find dried hibiscus flowers
Dried hibiscus flowers are sold by some food shops, herbal retailers and specialist grocery stores. Availability and prices vary by location and supplier.
When purchasing them, choose products intended for consumption and follow the supplier’s storage instructions to maintain their quality.
Hibiscus tea is straightforward to prepare, and its tart flavour can be adjusted with citrus, spices or sweeteners. The final taste depends on the amount of dried flowers used, the steeping time and the ingredients added.
