Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 30-40 minutes | Total Time: 35-45 minutes |*Servings: 8 servings
This tea is an anti-inflammatory drink that draws inspiration from the traditional Zobo beverage, also called ‘Sobolo’ in various African countries. It is a caffeine-free and refreshing drink made from dried hibiscus flowers. As the hibiscus flower is naturally sour, you may want to add honey or cane sugar to suit your taste.
The hibiscus flower contains anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid that gives red, purple and blue colour to various fruits, vegetables and flowers. These anthocyanins are strong antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate the gut microbiota by boosting the growth of helpful bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids. These acids are the primary energy source that maintain gut health.
The Mediterranean diet promotes the use of herbs and spices to reduce the intake of sodium and refined sugars. Therefore, this simple tea is infused with ginger, cinnamon and cloves, which possess anti-inflammatory and gut-soothing effects.
Hibiscus tea may help lower blood pressure and triglyceride levels. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advisable to seek advice from your healthcare provider before drinking this tea.
Nutritional information (per serving*): Calories: 50; Protein (0g); Total Fat (0g); Saturated Fat (0g); Unsaturated Fat (0g); Carbohydrates (14g); Fibre (2g); Sodium (13mg).
Ingredients
- 1 cup hibiscus leaves, dried and washed
- 1 540 mL can pineapple, diced in pineapple juice
- 2 thumb-sized raw ginger pieces, peeled and cut
- 1 seedless orange, sliced
- 2 tsp cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2.5 litres (10.5 cups) water
- ¼ cup honey or white sugar (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cheesecloth for straining or basket coffee filter
Instructions
Step 1
Add hibiscus leaves to a large pot and pour in water.
Step 2
Add pineapple, ginger, orange slices, cloves and cinnamon.
Step 3
Cover the pot and leave to boil for 30-40 minutes.
Step 4
Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or basket coffee filter. Add honey or sugar (optional).
Step 5
Serve hot or chill in the fridge. Garnish with orange slices, cucumber and mint leaves (optional)
Extra tips:
- Using fresh ginger and oranges can be challenging for people with arthritis, try using stored pre-minced ginger and canned mandarin oranges instead.
- Straining the tea material with a basket coffee filter may be easier than using cheesecloth.
- Storing the tea in ice cube trays allows for easy storage and convenient use with hot or cold water.