**Hibiscus Tea: A Refreshing and Vibrant Beverage from Egypt**
Hibiscus tea, also known as karkadeh in Egypt, is a delightful and refreshing herbal tea made from the dried calyces of the hibiscus flower. This vibrant tea boasts a beautiful ruby red color and a slightly tart, tangy flavor with hints of cranberry and pomegranate. It is a popular beverage enjoyed all over Egypt and is often served chilled or at room temperature.
In this comprehensive article, we'll explore the world of hibiscus tea, providing you with three unique recipes to tantalize your taste buds. From a classic hot hibiscus tea to a refreshing iced version and a sparkling hibiscus tea mocktail, we've got you covered. Along the way, we'll dive into the history, cultural significance, and potential health benefits of this remarkable tea.
So, prepare your teacups and embark on a flavorful journey as we unveil the secrets of this ancient Egyptian beverage. Discover new ways to enjoy hibiscus tea and elevate your tea-drinking experience to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or simply seeking a refreshing and healthy alternative to your regular beverages, hibiscus tea is sure to captivate your senses and leave you feeling revitalized.
HIBISCUS TEA (EGYPT)
ZWT7 Africa. Very popular in Egypt and Sudan. This beverage is said to have been a preferred drink of the pharaohs. In Egypt and Sudan, wedding celebrations are traditionally toasted with a glass of hibiscus tea. In Egypt, karkadé as it is called in Arabic, is used as a means to lower blood pressure if consumed in high amounts. Every busy street, train station, bus depot, has its vendors & the dried flowers may be found in every market. From, www.congocookbook.com.
Provided by UmmBinat
Categories Punch Beverage
Time 25m
Yield 8 cups, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Briefly rinse the dried flowers in cool water.
- In a saucepan heat two quarts (approximately two litres) of cold water. As soon as the water begins to boil, add the dried hibiscus. Immediately remove from heat and let the flowers steep for ten minutes.
- Pour the water from the pot into a pitcher using a strainer (lined with a cheesecloth) to separate the flowers from the water. (Be sure not to pour any of the flower sediment into the pitcher.).
- Stir in the sugar.
- Add any other flavorings (if desired).
- Add ice and chill completely.
- May be served over ice as well.
- Note: One common combination of flavorings is vanilla and mint. Bissap can be prepared double-strength, by using only half as much water. The resulting Jus de Bissap can be mixed with seltzer water, or lemon-lime soda. Jus de Bissap can also be mixed in cocktails.
- Also called l'Oseille de Guinée, Guinea Sorrel, and Karkadé.
ICED HIBISCUS TEA
This tangy and sweet beverage is found all over Egypt, but is especially popular with street vendors. From Party By the Pyramids. NOTES: Dried hibiscus flowers can be found at specialty food stores and at Latin and Caribbean markets, where they are called sorrel or flor de Jamaica.
Provided by NcMysteryShopper
Categories Beverages
Time 25m
Yield 2 Quarts
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water and hibiscus flowers and bring to a boil.
- Simmer over moderate heat for 5 minutes.
- Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
- Pour the drink into a medium bowl. Fill a larger bowl with ice water and set the smaller bowl inside.
- Stir the drink occasionally until chilled, about 10 minutes. Strain into a pitcher and serve in tall glasses over ice.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 387, Sodium 31.2, Carbohydrate 100, Sugar 99.8
Tips:
- Choose dried hibiscus flowers that are a deep red color and have a slightly tart smell. Avoid flowers that are brown or have a musty smell.
- Use filtered or spring water to make hibiscus tea. Tap water can contain minerals that can alter the taste of the tea.
- Steep the hibiscus flowers for at least 5 minutes, but no longer than 10 minutes. Steeping the flowers for too long can make the tea bitter.
- Sweeten hibiscus tea with honey, sugar, or stevia, if desired. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice.
- Serve hibiscus tea hot or cold. Hibiscus tea is also a great addition to cocktails and mocktails.
Conclusion:
Hibiscus tea is a delicious and refreshing beverage that is enjoyed by people all over the world. It is a good source of antioxidants and has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and boosting the immune system. If you are looking for a healthy and flavorful drink, hibiscus tea is a great choice.
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