Roselle Hibiscus Tea

Why people make this tea

Roselle tea is fragrant with a gentle tartness, traditionally enjoyed to support digestion and help with managing weight. Fresh calyces can be found at Asian grocers or online when in season; dried roselle calyces are easy to source year-round, making this an easy daily cup for office workers. The fresh flowers are also lovely for making preserves and jam to spread on bread or fold into pastries.

Method

1. Remove the green seed pod from each flower, keeping only the calyx (the pods can be simmered separately for tea).
2. Place the calyces in a pot and rinse once with boiling water.
3. Pour in fresh boiling water, cover and steep about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in honey (or sugar) and drink.

Nourilo’s Tips

The part you brew is the calyx, not the petals. This tea is refreshing and traditionally clears heat — good for those watching blood pressure or weight, about three times a week. But it isn’t suitable during pregnancy. To make a jam, remove the seed pods, chop the calyces and simmer with an equal weight of sugar (no added water — the flowers release their own moisture) until it thickens; jarred, it keeps a few months in the fridge.