The Rosie Elixir: Hibiscus Tea

Ages ago, I met this fragrant beauty late one night in D.C. on Dupont Circle at Kramer's Books and Afterworks.  She was all clad in a basic white mug with a tea steeper invading the middle.  This would be the first of many times to come that I would drink freshly steeped loose tea made from dried flowers and herbs.  

She was bright red and fragrant on the nose.  Her taste was bitter with a back hint of something I still cannot pinpoint--a little honey, and she was good as gold.  A rich, warming, happy sensation filled my body as I made a new friend in hibiscus tea.  

If you are like me and have West Indian friends, you've likely met her as a bright red drink called Sorrel.  She is also the special something in Red Zinger Tea which is easily found in neat little bags at the supermarket.  

Hibiscus Sabdariffa is a beautiful bold colored flower commonly found in sub-tropical and tropical climates such as the Caribbean.  She is a moody little lady as she blooms when and if she's ready.  The flowers, once dried, can be used to make a beautiful tea to be consumed either hot or cold.  Although her flowers come in many colors, the typical dried flower found in markets tend to be red making for a rich naturally red concoction which can also be used to add color to other foods and drinks (such as champagne...hint, hint).

In addition to all her beauty, Hibiscus tea also has several health benefits.  It is rich in vitamin C and also contains a significant amount of antioxidants making it beneficial for the immune system.  It is also thought to aid in lowering LDL which makes it great for any healthy heart diet.  Its most well known benefit is the lowering of High Blood Pressure.  The consumption of one to two 8 oz cups of the tea daily is said to have these benefits.  

So, how do you find her and make a cup for yourself?  You can often find bags of sorrel or hibiscus in the international foods section of your local supermarket typically where you would find caribbean spices and ingredients.  You can also usually find the dried beauties in the bulk section of most organic markets such as YES! or Wholefoods.  When in doubt, just get some Red Zinger by Celestial Seasonings.  If you find some loose flowers, you're going to need a steeper.  Simply add a few flowers to the steeper and drop in boiling hot water for about two minutes and enjoy.