How to Make Hibiscus Tea
Regions with tropical temperatures have flowers called hibiscus which can have either a red or yellow colour.
They are known for their huge sizes. Making of hibiscus tea is one of the major uses of this plant.
This drink is made by immersing dried hibiscus flowers in water which further turns the water into red and adds flavour to it.
This tea is counted as a herbal tea thus many wonder “how to make hibiscus tea.” The drink can be served both hot and cold depending on your preference.
The tea is a bit tart tasting and can be moderately compared to the taste of cranberry. Hibiscus tea is very healthy for all ages from adults to children. It does not contain caffeine making it purely herbal.
For people who are sensitive to caffeine hibiscus tea is a great choice. During the making of hibiscus tea no sugar or milk is added.
Thus the tea has zero calories making it a wholesome drink if you want to prevent weight gain.
Hibiscus tea cannot be included in the category of a real tea as it is not derived from the camellia Sinensis plant.
Instead the tea is regarded as a tisane as it is made from herbs spices and other plant supplies. The hibiscus tea is available in loose form as well as in the form of teabags.
It is recommended that if the tea is to be combined with other ingredients in a recipe a tea bag can be used.
On the other hand if only water is to be added to the tea its loose form should be used.
Advantages Of Drinking Hibiscus Tea
Since it is an herbal tea hibiscus tea has a lot of benefits for health. Several merits have been observed when the tea is consumed occasionally.
However pregnant women should refrain from having this tea. Also over consumption can be highly derogatory for health in normal cases.
Below are various health benefits of consuming hibiscus tea.
- Presence of Antioxidants
- The hibiscus plant is rich in antioxidants. Studies show that these molecules help in combatting compounds called free radicals.
- These composites can cause several diseases as they are known for damaging our body cells.
Thus consumption of hibiscus tea is most likely to prevent the build up of free radicals and hence prevent harm to our cells.
1. Lowers fat blood levels
Blood fat cells are majorly responsible for causing heart diseases. Some studies have proven that people with specific conditions such as metabolic syndromes and diabetes are likely to benefit from the tea in this arena.
The tea is believed to reduce triglycerides and blood cholesterol levels. However more studies need to be undertaken to give vivid results.
2. Helps in keeping liver healthy
Hibiscus extract in general, has proven to be highly beneficial to the liver. It helps the liver to work proficiently.
Therefore you are less likely to suffer from any distortion in bile secretion or breaking down of fat functions of the liver if you consume the herbal tea.
3. Aids in weight loss
Some research has shown that hibiscus also aids in preventing and reducing obesity. Consumption of hibiscus extracts has shown decreased body weight and body fat. Also the tea barely contains any calories therefore assisting in weight loss.
4. Helps in controlling blood pressure
High blood pressure is responsible for many heart diseases. It increases pressure on the heart over a period of time thus leading to the weakening of the organ. Hibiscus tea has proven to be useful for those suffering from the problem of high blood pressure.
Consumption of the tea decreases both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Since it is a natural drink it highly recommended.
But if you are consuming hydrochlorothiazide you should avoid having hibiscus tea as it might interfere with the chemicals of the drug.
5. Fights bacteria
Bacterial infections involve a wide range of illnesses. Some test tube studies have shown that hibiscus extracts can prevent such infections. However claims can only be made after more detailed research.
How to make hibiscus tea?
The steps involved in making hibiscus tea are easy and simple. By collecting a few ingredients, you can make a healthy drink in no time.
The tea can be hot or cold. Little changes in the recipe can help you make the switch.
Ingredients:
⦁ Hibiscus tea (loose or tea bags)
⦁ Sieved water
⦁ A glass teapot with an infuser (for hot tea)
⦁ Glass teapot with a strainer or a cold brew maker
⦁ Gooseneck electric kettle
⦁ Recipe for making hot hibiscus tea
Method:
- The taste of the water decides the taste of the tea. So make sure that you use either bottled water or filtered water. You then have to boil the water using an electric kettle. Setting the temperature at 208 degrees F gives the water perfect warmth for making the tea. Ensure that the quantity of water boiled exceeds the quantity needed. This helps in keep the teapot warm.
- Twirl some amount of heated water in the teapot a few times and then remove the used water. This helps in keeping the teapot warm and prevents the tea water from getting cold.
- The next step involves putting hibiscus tea into the teapot and then adding boiled water. The rule of thumb to be followed here involves putting 1 ½ teaspoon of hibiscus tea in one cup of water. If you wish to have a stronger brew you can increase it to 2 teaspoons.
- Cover the teapot with its lid and keep the hibiscus tea immersed for 5 minutes. Unlike black tea hibiscus tea does not turn bitter if steeped for a long time.
- The final step involves straining the hibiscus flowers and pouring the hot tea into a teacup. If you wish to make the tea taste sweet you can add some sugar honey or date syrup.
Recipe For Making Cold Hibiscus Tea
Step 1- Take a glass container or a pitcher and put hibiscus tea and water into it. As in the case of hot tea it is preferable to use bottled or filtered water in the cold brew as well. This enhances the taste of the tea.
Step 2- Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for the next 12 hours at least. However you can keep the flowers immersed in cold water for as long as 24 hours. Using an iced tea maker can ease the cold brewing process.
Step 3- The tea can then be served by simply straining the hibiscus flowers and pouring tea into the cup along with few ice cubes. For sugar add liquid syrup so that it can dissolve easily.
Thus making hibiscus tea either cold or hot is an easy task. The taste and the health benefits provided by the tea make it worth making. So if you are planning to make hibiscus tea make sure to purchase good quality tea from herbal or health stores.
