Learn how to make hibiscus tea which has some amazing benefits. Make this with either fresh or dried flowers and choose to have it as a hot cup of tea or as hibiscus iced tea because either way it’s delicious and really good for you!
We have a pretty big hibiscus tree in our new garden and everyday we get a few hibiscus flowers. Combined with the hibiscus in our neighbour’s garden there is a LOT of hibiscus. Not complaining because it makes the most delicious hibiscus tea.
I ended up posting how to make hibiscus tea on Instagram stories yesterday and the response was incredible. So many people suggested other ways to use hibiscus which is edible and has a variety of health benefits.
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So obviously, I had to write down everything I’ve found out about this superfood and share it with you.
My favourite part of brewing a pot of hibiscus tea at home is the colour of course. It has a gorgeous deep pink hue that’s hard to beat. And so perfect right now because afternoons here are getting warmer and a chilled glass of this is super welcome.
We have an amma who comes to help us and she’s the one who got started us on this. She saw us collecting a bowl of the flowers and was so excited to show us what we could do with it. So far we’ve made a fabulous hibiscus hair mask which works as a conditioner and this tea. She prefers it hot with honey and a squirt of lime juice but I’m all about the hibiscus iced tea. I mean who can resist when it looks like this?
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus tea has a ton of benefits. Hibiscus tea has been known to prevent hypertension, lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar levels, keep your liver healthy, help with menstrual cramps, help with depression, aid digestion and help with weight management. Its rich in Vitamin C, contains minerals such as flavonoids and has laxative properties. And it tastes delicious!
But it can also have some side effects.
Side Effects of Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus Tea can affect estrogen levels which means that it has an effect of both pregnancy and fertility. If you are trying to become pregnant or are pregnant, you should probably avoid hibiscus in your diet. It also lowers blood pressure which can be harmful if you already suffer from low blood pressure.
With anything that has medicinal properties, its really important to see if it works for you. Something that I’m slowly learning while we live here in Auroville. We eat a lot of healthy, local ingredients now and people around us are happy to tell us more about them.
Don’t be afraid to try this out because it’s incredibly easy to make and you can make it with both fresh or dried flowers. If you don’t have access to fresh one, dried hibiscus flowers are easily available online.
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How to make Hibiscus Tea + its Benefits
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Learn how to make hibiscus tea which has some amazing benefits. Make this with either fresh or dried flowers and choose to have it as a hot cup of tea or as hibiscus iced tea because either way it’s delicious and really good for you!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh Hibiscus Flowers (or 1/2 cup dried Hibiscus Flowers)
- 8 cups Water
- 1/4 cup Honey (add more if you like your tea sweeter)
- 3 tablespoons fresh Lime Juice
Instructions
- Prepping hibiscus flowers: If using fresh hibiscus flowers, remove the calyx or the green part at the base of the flower to which the stem is attached. You can also remove the pistil which is the thin thread like tube in the middle of the flower which has pollens attached to it or you can choose to keep it. You don’t need to do this if you are using dried flowers.
- Boil the tea: Bring the hibiscus flowers and water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water starts boiling, switch off the flame and cover the vessel. At this point, you can also add other herbs or add ins such as basil, lemon grass, lemon zest etc. Let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes. Mix in the honey and lime juice till completely combined. Strain the tea.
- Serving Hibiscus Tea: You can either serve hibiscus tea warm or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Either way it tastes delicious!
Notes
- Add Ins: You can add some of your favourite flavours to this tea. Basil, lemon grass, lemon zest and mint all taste really nice with hibiscus
- Sweetness: We prefer our tea moderately sweet but feel free to add more honey or even replace it with sugar if you like
Muchas gracias por tu receta y por enseñar la manera de usar las flores frescas. Tengo un hibiscus de flores dobles de color rosa. Quisiera saber si es posible usar las flores frescas para rellenarlas con carne y cocinar en el horno, como se hace con las flores de zapallo.(Thank you very much for your recipe and for teaching how to use fresh flowers. I have a pink double hibiscus flower. I would like to know if it is possible to use fresh flowers to fill them with meat and cook in the oven, as is done with pumpkin flowers.)
I have no idea Rosa. I’ve never tried to do that with hibiscus flowers.
I like hot tea,but ice lemon red tea is so good.
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I have made this recipe and love it. How long will the concentrate last in the refrigerator? I read it only lasts 3 days with the recipe I tried. I live alone and when you dilute it 1 part concentrate to 3 parts water, again according to the recipe I tried, it will last more than 3 days. You do not mention diluting it in water, so you drink the concentrate steeped in the pot? My recipe called for the same as yours 2 cups flowers to 2 quarts of water.
Thanks
Hey Toney, we drink this as is and don’t dilute this
Please help me. I have a cranberry hibiscus plant and every time I use this method to make tea, it comes out green, bitter, and stinky. What am I doing wrong?
I like your recipe, however, I must highlight that drinking cold Hibiscus Tea helps lowering BP. While drinking Hibiscus hot Tea may increase BP.
Thanks for sharing that Sandra!
I used my French press. Filled my electric kettle while water is getting to a boil I Put dried hibiscus flowers into the empty press. Doubled the dried hibiscus to make a concentrate since press only holds 4 cups.The press has the filter in the lid so what could be easier. After steeping it. Pressed it delicately, let it cool, then poured it into a gallon container to go in frig. Can add honey while still hot or later. French press clean up is sooooo easy.
Wow! Didn’t know this could work in a french press. Thanks for sharing Shirley. We’ve found a new way to make hibiscus tea today, thanks to you!
I just discovered this. Bought some dried hibiscus and made 2 cups dried with 8 cups of water and one cinnamon stick. I made it in my Instant Pot pressure cooker set for 3 minutes, NR. Came out very strong and had to dilute with more water. Added honey to taste. Very refreshing.
Thanks for sharing Lily!
Very good.
I added fresh ginger and lemon to mines.
My granny always said “if you’re making herbal teas,always use an odd number of ingredients.Never an even number”.
Maybe its superstition but I trusted her. So i stick to that.😊
She was a wise woman.
Next time I’m gonna make it the “island way” with cloves and spices. They call it Sorrell.
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Grannys are always the wisest. Those sound like good additions!!
Great recipe thanks!
I also found some interesting information on red tea at redteabenefit.com
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Thank you James!
Great recipe! I have a question though. Do we use the petals or the calyx or both for the recipe?
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Thanks Nyssa! I only use the petals and remove the calyx.
Hibiscus tea should be completely avoided by pregnant women as it may induce premature labour. Otherwise, love the recipe!!
Ofcourse! And thats something I’ve mentioned in the post 🙂
Im 9 weeks pregnant and I asked my doctor about hibiscus tea because it’s my favorite thing and I’m craving it so much right now. She said the chances of it having negative effects on my pregnancy is doubtful. I am Safe to drink it. I thinking I’m just making a weak batch… thoughts? I’m healthy with zero complications
Hey Lindsay – congratulations on your pregnancy! I’d go with whatever your doctor recommends.
Very excited to try this! I also have a question though: do you chop the flower up before steeping? Or leave it whole (minus the bits and bobs you mentioned above)? Or maybe it doesn’t make a difference! 🙂 Thank you for sharing!
I just leave it whole Nadia. Because in the end you strain them out so why do the extra effort of chopping them?
Does it matter which color flower you use?
I’ve only come across red hibiscus. Do you have access to another colour?
Hibiscus flowers come in a variety of colors. The plants I have are an orange/yellow color similar to. I’m not sure that the flavor is different since I have only tried these orange flowers.
I didn’t have enough red flowers left for 2 cups so I’m mixing the white in. We shall see.
Maria says
Thank you so much for this hibiscus recipe.
Please I have a question
Please make me to understand is it the leave or the flowers we have to use for the tea
Hey Maria, we use the flower for this recipe.
where can i get hibiscus tea around South Africa?
I’m not sure. If you don’t have access to fresh hibiscus flowers, dried will also work.
I’ve tried it for the first time cold its delicous and refreshing also I have high blood pressure which is so good for me will share reciepe with my friends that you😇🌼🌸🌸🌸
Thanks Norma!
Wow, hibiscus tea sounds interesting. I am so excited to try this. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful recipe. 🙂
Thank you so much Puja. I hope you like it!
i make this at home too..and its great. its also great with little vodka 😛
Wowsome. The tea looks so refreshing. Will try your this soon.
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