Hibiscus Flower Health Benefits – Hibiscus flower blooms are not only beautiful, Hibiscus flowers are edible, have many health benefits and taste great in tea.
You may have hibiscus flowers growing in your backyard, but have you ever tried eating hibiscus blooms? I have about four hibiscus plants in my yard and my neighbor mentioned to me that the Hibiscus flower blooms were not only edible, but that they have some valuable health benefits. I removed some blooms to dry out and I tried it myself. I made a traditional Hibiscus tea and it was pretty tasty.
Hibiscus Flower Tea is easy to make. You can steep the dried Hibiscus Flower pieces in hot water to create the deep rose-colored infusion known as hibiscus tea. Plain, this tea has a subtle, tart and floral flavor that isn’t overpowering. The flowers also work as a great flavor-infuser in other drinks and dishes.
Hibiscus Flower Health Benefits
Hibiscus flowers contain high amounts of antioxidants, including vitamin C, but it varies depending on how much hibiscus you use. A cup of unsweetened hibiscus tea contains zero calories and is completely caffeine-free, so I felt comfortable giving it to my kids and did not have to worry about them bouncing off the walls:)! Some research has shown that drinking hibiscus tea many help lower high-blood pressure but there’s no conclusive evidence yet.
Hibiscus Flower Health Benefits – A Word of Warning – The amount of hibiscus you’d find in tea is generally recognized as safe, but if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or on any medications, check with your doctor first.
Here are some more ideas of what to do with the hibiscus flower blooms: Brew hibiscus tea extra strong to use in cocktails and mix in fresh fruit or 100% fruit juice for some added sweetness to go with the health benefits. Freeze sweetened tea into a granita for a cool and refreshing dessert. You can also add sugar and less water to create a thick, pink syrup or try steeping hibiscus in vinegar for a flavored vinegar.
Visit wikipedia to learn more about Hibiscus Flower health benefits.
