Quench your thirst with Agua de Jamaica! Tart and refreshing, hibiscus flower tea is also known as sorrel in the English-speaking Caribbean. Agua de Jamaica is very popular in Mexico, but it is also known and consumed in Central and South America and of course the Caribbean.

Besides its cranberry-juice-like delicious flavor, Agua de Jamaica is used for many medicinal purposes due to its properties. Some people drink this bright red tea for its presumably antimicrobial properties in the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) due to the anthocyanin (an antioxidant) it contains. Many others attest to its anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive properties (blood-pressure lowering properties).

It is important to note, that although hibiscus has long being used as a home remedy for these medicinal properties, more scientific evidence is needed to establish medicinal recommendations.

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Flower Iced Tea)

Recipe by Suellen PinedaCourse: BeverageCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

15

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

1

minute

Quench your thirst with Agua de Jamaica! Tart and refreshing, hibiscus flower tea is also known as sorrel in the English-speaking Caribbean.

Ingredients

• 3 Liters Water

• 1 1/2 Cups Dried Hibiscus Flowers

• Diced Apples (optional)

• Sweetener of choice (Sugar, Honey or Agave, optional)
  

Directions

• Bring 1 liter of water to a boil. Add the dried flowers to the boiling water, and boil for 1 minute.
• Remove from heat, cover and let steep until it cools down.
• Strain the flowers.
• Add 2 liters of water or even more, depending on how strong you like the tea.
• Sweeten to taste, add ice cubes and enjoy!