Hibiscus Iced Tea

Hibiscus iced tea is a refreshing and flavorful beverage made from hibiscus flowers steeped in water, then chilled and served over ice. Hibiscus flowers, also known as Roselle, have a tart and tangy flavor, similar to cranberry, and are naturally caffeine-free. They are commonly used to make tea in various cultures around the world.

To make hibiscus iced tea, dried hibiscus flowers are typically steeped in boiling water for several minutes until the water turns a deep red color. The tea is then strained, chilled, and served over ice. Some people also like to add sweeteners such as honey, sugar, or agave nectar to balance out the tartness of the hibiscus.

In addition to its delicious taste, hibiscus iced tea is also known for its potential health benefits. Hibiscus flowers are high in antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. They may also have a positive impact on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Here's how to make hibiscus iced tea.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of hibiscus flower tea 
• 250ml filtered water 
• Ice
• Optional: Agave, stevia or honey to sweeten

Method Hot Brew - maximise the flavour

• Boil water 
• Add hibiscus flower tea to cup or jar with lid 
• Pour over boiled water
• Allow to steep 5-10 minutes (the longer the better)
• Strain and pour into glass
• Allow to cool, then add ice

Method Cold Brew - allow more time

• Add hibiscus flower to jar or water bottle
• Add extra 1/2 teaspoon of hibiscus flower tea
• Add filtered water
• Put lid on and shake vigorously 
• Put in fridge and allow to steep overnight
• Strain and serve as noted above

If you want to sweeten your iced tea you can add 1/4 teaspoon stevia before straining. We recommend you try your tea without any sweetener first.

Want to add fruit?

We recommend any of the following in moderation:

• Raspberry
• Pomegranate
• Lime slices

Hibiscus flower tea is considered good for a variety of reasons, including:

1. High in antioxidants: Hibiscus tea contains high levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, and protocatechuic acid, which may help to protect your body against cellular damage caused by free radicals.

2. May lower blood pressure: Some studies have shown that drinking hibiscus tea may help to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

3. May improve cholesterol levels: Several studies have shown that hibiscus tea may help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and raise HDL (good) cholesterol levels, which can reduce your risk of heart disease.

4. May aid in digestion: Hibiscus tea is believed to have a gentle laxative effect, which may help to promote regular bowel movements and alleviate constipation.

5. May boost the immune system: Hibiscus tea contains vitamin C and other compounds that may help to boost the immune system and protect against infections.

Overall, hibiscus flower tea is a refreshing and flavourful beverage that may offer a range of health benefits. However, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of hibiscus tea, and it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.