Hibiscus
24 Jul 2013

Hibiscus: Herbs We Love For Summer

//
Comments1
/

Hibiscus, also known as Jamaica flower, is one of our very favorite herbs for summer because, like spearmint, its flavor is easily infused into cold water—heating up a tea pot is unnecessary!

Hibiscus is a showy member of the Malvaceae (mallow) family native to subtropics and tropics around the world and appears in a variety of colors. The ruby-red hibiscus most of us are familiar is a popular beverage with a cooling, tangy-sweet flavor, delicious both hot and cold.

A number of research articles on hibiscus indicate that the flower is:

  • High in antioxidants (even higher than green tea!)
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Helps lower blood pressure (in those with existing high blood pressure, not those with normal or low levels).
  • Lowers uric acid levels in people with gout
  • Improves cholesterol and triglycerides in those with pre-diabetes and diabetes

To add flavor and powerful antioxidants to your eight glasses of water a day, pop hibiscus cubes into your drinking glass instead of regular ice cubes. Simply make a hot or cold infusion (if hot, let it cool before freezing), pour into ice cube trays, then freeze.

IMG_0176-1

Hibiscus tea with a kiss of lime is a traditional drink in Jamaica, and is not only delicious, but simply gorgeous with vibrant, rich colors.

Hibiscus cubes

Lime is cooling and refreshing, full of vitamin C , and alkaline forming. Use organic limes whenever possible, and be sure to peel if it’s conventionally grown.

Hibiscus

If this hibiscus-lime combo is a bit too tangy for your taste buds, try adding a small amount of sweetener. You can also try adding fruit cubes to add a subtle, healthy fruity-sweet taste. To make, blend your fruit with a dash of water, pour into ice cube trays, then freeze. I used mango ice cubes in this recipe. A small pinch of clove magically ties everything together.

Hibiscus-Clove Cooler

Ingredients

1/2 to one whole lime, or to taste
4 – 6 hibiscus ice cubes
Cold water 
Tiniest pinch of clove
Dash of sweetener or 1-2 fruit ice cubes (optional)

Directions

Add lime slices or squeeze desired amount of juice into a tall glass
Add sweetener/fruit cubes if desired
Pour cold water over contents
Stir in tiny pinch of clove (optional)

Hibiscus

HERBS we love for summer, hibiscus