Karkade (Hibiscus Tea)
User Reviews
5
Karkade (Hibiscus Tea)
Description
Karkade, or hibiscus tea, is prepared by boiling water with dried hibiscus flowers and sweetener, then steeping the mixture to draw out the vivid color and tart flavor of the flowers. The liquid is strained to remove the petals, and fresh lime juice is stirred in to balance the natural tartness with citrus notes.
The tea is cooled thoroughly in the refrigerator and served over ice with a lime wheel and fresh mint sprig for a visually appealing presentation and an added herbal hint. The drink offers a crisp, red-hued liquid that balances sweetness with a distinctive fruity tang.
This tea is commonly enjoyed chilled during warm weather. Care should be taken when handling and straining, as hibiscus stains surfaces and fabrics easily.
Properly covered and refrigerated, karkade can be stored for up to one week, maintaining its flavor and color. It can be sweetened to preference with sugar, honey, or agave nectar as desired.
Ingredients
- 6 cups water filtered
- 3/4 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar agave nectar or honey
- 2 lime 1 juiced, 1 cut into thin wheels, large
- mint for serving, fresh sprigs
Instructions
- Steep the tea and sweetener. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the hibiscus and sweetener (I usually add ¼ to ½ cup of sugar). Boil for 3 minutes over high heat, then turn the heat off, cover the pan, and let the hibiscus steep for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Strain. Set a fine-mesh strainer over a heat-safe glass pitcher or bowl. Pour the tea through the strainer. Discard the hibiscus flowers and stir in the lime juice.
- Adjust to taste. Set aside to cool completely, then taste. If the is too concentrated or bitter, dilute it with a little more filtered water and sweetener. Remember not to dilute it too much, especially if you plan to serve it over ice.
- Chill and serve. Transfer to the fridge and chill for a few hours. Serve over ice, with a lime wheel and a sprig of fresh mint in each glass. Cheers!
Notes
- Handle the hibiscus tea carefully when pouring or straining to avoid staining surfaces or clothing.
- Store iced hibiscus tea covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 388 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 38.8kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 10.6g | 4% |
| Protein | 0.2g | 0% |
| Fat | 0.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.01g | 0% |
| Sodium | 13.5mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 28.9mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 0.6g | 2% |
| Sugar | 8.7g | 17% |
| Vitamin A | 98.7IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 6.5mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 16.9mg | 2% |
| Iron | 0.2mg | 1% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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