Description
Karkadeh, also known as Hibiscus Tea, is a vibrant, tart infusion made from dried hibiscus petals. This refreshing beverage can be enjoyed hot or cold and is often sweetened with sugar or honey and enhanced with optional spices like cinnamon, cloves, or fresh mint. Traditionally popular in Middle Eastern and African cultures, this tea offers a deliciously tangy flavor with potential health benefits including antioxidants and vitamin C.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup dried hibiscus petals
- 2 cups water
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar or honey (to taste)
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- Orange peel (a few strips)
- Fresh mint leaves (a few sprigs)
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small pot or kettle to prepare for steeping the hibiscus petals.
- Prepare Hibiscus Petals: Place the dried hibiscus petals into a heatproof pitcher or teapot, ensuring they have enough room to expand as they steep.
- Steep the Tea: Pour the boiling water over the hibiscus petals and allow them to steep for 5 to 10 minutes, extracting their rich color and tart flavor.
- Sweeten: While the tea is still hot, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar or honey according to your taste preference to balance the tartness.
- Add Optional Flavors: If using, add a cinnamon stick, cloves, orange peel, or fresh mint leaves to the tea and steep for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to infuse these aromas.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea into individual cups to remove the petals and any spices. Serve hot for a warm drink or chill the tea and pour over ice for a refreshing cold version.
Notes
- You can adjust the steeping time depending on how strong or tart you prefer your tea.
- Hibiscus tea is naturally high in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Sweeten to taste; start with less sugar or honey and add more if needed.
- Tea can be served either hot or chilled over ice.
- Optional spices can be customized or omitted according to preference.
