Hibiscus – the Beautiful Health Booster

Say hello to her Highness … Miss Hibiscus! She grows abundantly at Pyramids in Florida and she is one of our most beloved blooms that brings our village art canvas to life with exotic splashes of red, orange, yellow, and white. The plant can be used for the treatment of various diseases and ailments. 

Hibiscus comes from the Greek “hibiscus,” which is the name of the common marshmallow plant (Malvaceae) family to which the flowering tree belongs. There are 220 different species that are native to subtropical and tropical regions. 

The health benefits are many … this backyard tonic treats high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety, fights bacteria and inflammation, supports digestion, the immune system, uterus and bladder issues, and purifies the liver. Drinking this tea also speeds up metabolism, balances the body’s acid-alkaline PH, and helps with gradual weight loss. Hibiscus is high in vitamin C, antioxidants, minerals, and phytochemicals. What a power flower!

Pyramids in Florida Dating Tip (wink wink): The hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by Tahitian and Hawaiian females. If placed behind the left ear, the woman is married or in a relationship. If the flower is worn on the right, she is single and available

“Hibiscus sabdariffa” is the variety we use to make healing hibiscus tea, also known in Florida as Agua de Jamaica. It’s been used for centuries by Caribbean natives as a delicious and thirst-quenching medicinal tea. Similar to Spanish Sangria in color only, this non-alcoholic beverage is enjoyed hot or cold with a splash of lime and sweetened with honey.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh Hibiscus flowers or 1/2 cup dried Hibiscus flowers
• 8 cups water
• 1/4 cup honey (optional)
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (optional)

Instructions:

If using fresh hibiscus flowers, remove the calyx or the green part at the base of the flower to which the stem is attached. You can also remove the pistil which is the thin thread-like tube in the middle of the flower which has pollens attached to it or you can choose to keep it. You don’t need to do this if you are using dried flowers. 

Bring the hibiscus flowers and water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water starts boiling, switch off the flame and cover the vessel. At this point, you can also add other herbs or add-ins such as basil, lemongrass, lemon zest, etc. Let the tea steep for 15-20 minutes. 

Mix in the honey and lime juice till completely combined. Strain the tea. You can either serve hibiscus tea warm or you can chill it in the refrigerator for a couple of hours. Either way, it tastes delicious! Some may even steep the tea naturally under the hot Florida sun by putting it out on your patio for at least 8 hours. 

Nutrition Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 23mg | Potassium: 28mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 8mg