Tropical Hibiscus Tea

Tropical Hibiscus Tea:

The first recipe that I was ever taught, and memorized was this refreshing beverage; hibiscus tea. Every summer we would travel to India, visiting our grandparents and exploring the roots of India. But I was more interested in exploring our backyard garden. Each year, I would race to our hibiscus tree and watch it thrive, from a small branch to a thick, flower-producing blossom. We had such varieties of hibiscuses, from the original color of red, to the uncommon pink, yellow, and even white! My mother saw my interest in those captivating plants, and taught me the technique of creating hibiscus tea, which I am now ready to share!

Ingredients:

3-4 Red Hibiscus

Needed Sugar

2 Lemons

1 pinch of salt

Optional- 1 Small Cinnamon Stick

Serving Size: 7-8 Cups

1. Separate the red hibiscus petals and put it in a bowl of water. Wash it in the water and leave the bowl aside.
2. Pour 6 cups of water in a large bowl and boil the water. Once the water starts boiling, turn off the heat and put the hibiscus petals inside the boiling water for about 6 minutes. (Optional- Put in the small cinnamon stick with the hibiscus petals. If the stick is too big it will change the hibiscuses natural flavor, so avoid putting in a big piece of cinnamon.
3. If the hibiscus petals in the boiling water look brown and the water looks blackish then take it off the stove. If not, leave the the large bowl on the stove for some more time until the water looks blackish.
4. Remove the hibiscus petals and cinnamon stick (if put in) and put it aside. Stir the liquid a few times and then cut your lemon in half. First squeeze out half the lemon, with or without the seeds. You should start seeing the water change to reddish-orange or pink.  Squeeze out the second half and stir. If you want more lemon then you can use the second lemon.
5. Put in ten spoons of sugar and mix. If it is too citrus or bland then add more sugar. If it is too sugary then add some more lemon. Mix well and pour in glasses. Serve it cold or hot. If you want you can also put in a cinnamon stick in the glass when served.

You can enjoy this sweet drink anywhere and anytime, but make sure you pack enough! Many people are astounded to see a pink drink, that too made from pure, natural ingredients… now you know the recipe, pass it along! ***DO NOT TRY WITH PINK, WHITE, OR YELLOW HIBISCUSES!