Hibiscus Tea Egypt Recipes

HIBISCUS TEA (EGYPT)

Steps:

• Briefly rinse the dried flowers in cool water.
• In a saucepan heat two quarts (approximately two litres) of cold water. As soon as the water begins to boil, add the dried hibiscus. Immediately remove from heat and let the flowers steep for ten minutes.
• Pour the water from the pot into a pitcher using a strainer (lined with a cheesecloth) to separate the flowers from the water. (Be sure not to pour any of the flower sediment into the pitcher.).
• Stir in the sugar.
• Add any other flavorings (if desired).
• Add ice and chill completely.
• May be served over ice as well.
• Note: One common combination of flavorings is vanilla and mint. Bissap can be prepared double-strength, by using only half as much water. The resulting Jus de Bissap can be mixed with seltzer water, or lemon-lime soda. Jus de Bissap can also be mixed in cocktails.
• Also called l'Oseille de Guinée, Guinea Sorrel, and Karkadé.

KARKADEH (EGYPTIAN HIBISCUS ICED TEA)

Steps:

• Place the hibiscus flowers in a pot and cover with boiling water. Sweeten to taste and allow to cool. Strain and pour into a pitcher. Refrigerate until well chilled.