Ingredient of the week: Hibiscus

Hibiscus tea is packed with antioxidants (Photo: Shutterstock)

This is a common flower in our gardens but did you know that it comes in various colours beside the purplish/red colour many of us know? This plant also has yellow, white or peach coloured flowers. The red coloured flower is commonly used to make hibiscus tea mostly taken for medicinal purposes. 

The beverage is packed with antioxidants and is known to reduce blood pressure, lower body temperature, reduce cold symptoms, boost liver health and fight bacteria.

The beverage can be taken hot or cold. To make a cup of tea, take dried hibiscus petals or a hibiscus tea bag and submerge it in hot water. For the petals, bring the water to a boil. Let it sit for roughly five minutes and then serve. Add honey for a sweet taste. For a chilled drink, add ice cubes or store in the fridge.

You can buy hibiscus tea bags and dried petals at your nearest supermarket.