How to Make Tea From Hibiscus Flowers

Hibiscus tea is as brightly hued as its flowers and has a cranberry-like flavor. This red herbal tea may help perk up your health. A 2009 study published in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" found that hibiscus tea may help balance high blood pressure and blood glucose levels and lower high cholesterol. Brew this tea with dried, loose hibiscus or tea bags, or make your own tea with fresh hibiscus flowers. If you are using fresh flowers, check with a florist or herbalist to ensure it is the right variety. Not all hibiscus plants are used for tea.

Purchase dried hibiscus tea. Choose a variety that is pure hibiscus and does not contain added black tea or other teas. This herbal tea is available in tea-bag or loose form. If you are using fresh hibiscus flowers, remove the stamen from the center of each flower so that only the petals and green pistil beneath each flower remain.

Heat 2 to 3 cups of water in a kettle, bringing it to a boil. Place the hibiscus in a pot and pour the hot water over it. You should see the flowers release a red to purple color.

Allow the hibiscus tea to steep for approximately 10 minutes. Brew the tea longer for a stronger flavor or for a shorter period for a lighter tea.

Pour the tea into a cup. Use a sieve if you are using loose hibiscus tea or fresh flowers. Stir in a spoonful of sugar or honey to sweeten if desired, or flavor with freshly squeezed lime juice.

Tips

Add freshly grated ginger to the teapot for a tangy flavor to your hibiscus tea.

Allow the tea to cool and refrigerate with added lime juice to make iced tea.