You can use dry hibiscus flowers primarily to make a flavorful and healthy tea.
Here's how to use dry hibiscus flowers:
1. Making Hibiscus Tea:
- Steep the Flowers: Add dried hibiscus flowers to hot water. The ratio is generally 1-2 teaspoons of dried hibiscus per cup of water, but adjust to your taste.
- Steeping Time: Let the flowers steep for about 5-10 minutes. Longer steeping times will result in a stronger, more tart flavor.
- Strain and Serve: Strain the tea to remove the flowers. You can enjoy it hot or iced.
- Enhance the Flavor: Hibiscus tea has a naturally tart flavor, often described as pomegranate or cranberry-like. You can sweeten it with honey, agave, or sugar. Other flavors that complement hibiscus include ginger, mint, and citrus fruits.
Example:
- Boil 2 cups of water.
- Add 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers to the hot water.
- Let it steep for 7 minutes.
- Strain the tea.
- Add honey to taste. Serve hot or chilled.
