Hibiscus is a bright red tropical flower that people mainly use to make herbal tea.
The petals of this pretty flower are the best for brewing some deep red tea.
The flowers are first dried and steeped in hot or cold water to release a rich red color with a tart flavor.
The taste of hibiscus is tart with a hint of fruitiness.
It offers the perfect flavor that is not only tasty but also healthy.
So, what does Hibiscus taste like? Find everything you need to know about this delicious yet healthy flower in this food guide.
What is Hibiscus?
Hibiscus, or sabdariffa hibiscus, is a vibrant red flower of the Roselle plant.
People also call this flower as rose mallow or rose of Sharon.
It is a native West African flower but is also commonly found across many other regions-Asia, the Middle East, and the West Indies.
The good news is that, as a perennial flower, you’ll be able to access hibiscus all year long.
These flowers not only make excellent additions to both dishes and drinks, but they also have various medicinal benefits.
Many people also use hibiscus as a means to get relief from various health symptoms, such as lowering body temperature.
People grow hibiscus mainly because of its medicinal properties and its role as a dietary supplement.
According to health magazines and research studies, drinking hibiscus tea is beneficial for various symptoms.
These include lowering blood pressure, managing weight, increasing urine production, treating nerve and heart diseases, and more.
What Does Hibiscus Taste Like?
Many people who haven’t tasted hibiscus might wonder what it tastes like.
If you have ever consumed roselle leaves, you might assume it has a similar sour taste to that of the leaves.
Yes, hibiscus has a slightly sour taste with floral or fruity undertones.
When you eat hibiscus, you’ll notice that the flavor is somewhat tart and fruity.
It tastes more like tart fruits such as pomegranate or cranberry.
When it comes to the smell of the flower, it is so subtle that you might not even get a whiff of anything.
The actual taste and flavor of hibiscus can depend on the way you prepare it.
When you steep the flowers in water, make sure you don’t steep them too long because the longer you steep them, the more bitter they will be.
If you don’t like the raw or sour flavor, you can always add a source of sweeteners such as sugar or honey to change the flavor.
Hibiscus is packed with Vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients.
Both the flowers and leaves of the roselle plant are good sources of antioxidants.
Whether you eat or drink it as tea, it offers a wide range of health benefits which include aiding weight loss, among others.
You can eat hibiscus straight from the plant itself.
But the more common way to add hibiscus to your diet is to turn it into a refreshing tea or drink.
Rosehip tea is the closest substitute that you can use to replace hibiscus tea.
How to Cook and Serve Hibiscus?
Hibiscus is used for many things, but the most popular way to have this flower is by making tea.
It is easy to make yourself a refreshing and healthy glass of hibiscus tea.
You just need to dry the hibiscus in advance and steep the dried flowers in the water.
Here is the detailed brewing process to make flawless hibiscus tea.
Add two parts of dried hibiscus to eight parts of boiling water and allow it to steep for approximately five minutes.
If you want to have some flavor, you can add some lime juice and honey.
If you want light tea, you can reduce the steeping time.
But if you prefer a stronger brew, you can prolong the steeping time.
We recommend that you don’t steep the flowers too long if you’re not a fan of bitter tea.
If you wish to make hibiscus sorbet, you just need three ingredients which are raw ginger, dried hibiscus, and water.
Hibiscus can even be added to other drinks as cocktails because of the low flavor profile.
Because of the pretty color, hibiscus can also be added to various dishes to enhance both the taste and sight.
You won’t have any problem implementing this wonderful and healthy flower into your diet.
Conclusion
Hibiscus is one of the favorites for those people who not only love enjoying refreshing drinks but also those who love to keep their health in check.
This flower will not only refresh your taste buds but will leave you feeling better.
Let this fruity drink enhance your taste buds with its subtle flavor and mild fragrance.
Hibiscus is loved and enjoyed by many people around the world.
Once you try it, you might fall in love with the taste of hibiscus.
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