Roselle - Hibiscus sabdariffa - The West African species of Hibiscus.
Whole and pieces of dried flower pods for tea.
Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea made as an infusion from crimson or deep magenta-coloured calyces (sepals) of the Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower. It is consumed both hot and cold.
Also called “Jamaica” at Mexican Restaurants- it’s that yummy red drink next to the horchata
It has a tart, cranberry like flavour, and sugar or honey is often added to sweeten it. The tea contains vitamin C and minerals and is used traditionally as a mild medicine. In west Sudan, a white hibiscus flower is favoured for its bitter taste and is customarily served to guests.
Hibiscus tea contains 15–30% organic acids, including citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid. It also contains acidic polysaccharidesand flavonoid glycosides, such as cyanidin and delphinidin, that give it its characteristic deep red colour.
The health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as digestive, immune system, and inflammatory problems. It helps to cure liver disease and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss.
