I don't know about you, but this election has jacked up my blood pressure. Word on the street is that hibiscus tea is good for your blood pressure. I have also seen claims that it can relieve high cholesterol, reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and even speed up metabolism. All I know is that it's pretty and tastes delicious.
Hibiscus leaves can be very inexpensive if you don't buy them at a tea shoppe (a tea shop is fine but if there is an extra "pe" on the end you are going to pay through the nose). I have found them for 90 cents per ounce in bulk at the health food store and the carniceria/bodega in my neighborhood. I paid $4.59 for 2 oz at the tea shoppe. Never again.
There are a couple of ways to make the tea. One is the typical way where you boil some water and steep the leaves for about 5 or so minutes. My new favorite way is to use a pitcher with a tea infuser and let it cold brew over night. I don't like this method for all teas, but it's great for this one. I use one-ish teaspoon for every 8 oz of water. To cold brew, just fill it with as much water as you want, put the corresponding amount of hibiscus leaves in the diffuser, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning remove the leaves. And that's it! I like it unsweetened but it's great with some simple syrup or agave too.
Hibiscus leaves can be very inexpensive if you don't buy them at a tea shoppe (a tea shop is fine but if there is an extra "pe" on the end you are going to pay through the nose). I have found them for 90 cents per ounce in bulk at the health food store and the carniceria/bodega in my neighborhood. I paid $4.59 for 2 oz at the tea shoppe. Never again.
There are a couple of ways to make the tea. One is the typical way where you boil some water and steep the leaves for about 5 or so minutes. My new favorite way is to use a pitcher with a tea infuser and let it cold brew over night. I don't like this method for all teas, but it's great for this one. I use one-ish teaspoon for every 8 oz of water. To cold brew, just fill it with as much water as you want, put the corresponding amount of hibiscus leaves in the diffuser, and pop it in the fridge. In the morning remove the leaves. And that's it! I like it unsweetened but it's great with some simple syrup or agave too.
Which brings me to the bonus... When you are done brewing your tea (either method), don't throw those beautiful red leaves away yet! You can get a second use. Hibiscus simple syrup. You can use the syrup to sweeten your hibiscus tea, make homemade hibiscus soda (!!!!) with some club soda or sparkling water, or use it in a cocktail. All you need to do is combine equal parts sugar and water (I used 1/2 cup of each) with your used hibiscus leaves in a saucepan and simmer until all of the sugar has dissolved. Then strain it and put it in a jar. It should last a week or two in the fridge. I hear a hibiscus martini calling me...
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