Hibiscus Flower Tea

This loose leaf Hibiscus tea tastes as good as it looks! Created using real Hibiscus flower from the Sabdariffa variant. Hibiscus Flower Tea offers delightful flavours reminiscent of the sharpness of cranberry or pomegranate. Slightly stronger than the equally delicious Hibiscus Tea Bags, Hibiscus Flower Tea is also naturally caffeine-free.

It has been enjoyed across the world for thousands of years, with its popularity increasing at a rapid rate as scientific studies continue to discover new and incredible health benefits to its frequent consumption. For those who like a little extra ‘kick’ to their cup, Hibiscus Tea is an absolutely perfect choice to start off your day!  

The Hibiscus plant is thought to have originated from the African continent. However, it has since spread across the globe, adapting to temperate, subtropical, and tropical conditions; making it especially versatile!

There are an estimated 300 species of Hibiscus, but the one predominantly used in the production of tea is known as Hibiscus Sabdariffa. Historically, the consumption of Hibiscus can be dated back to Ancient Egypt.

It was during this time that Hibiscus Tea was favoured by the almighty Pharaohs, who would drink this age-old beverage to keep cool in the midst of the desert heat. It would later travel down to other countries in Africa, and was subsequently consumed to treat constipation, liver disease, and even symptoms of cold and flu!

By the 18th Century, the Hibiscus plant had been introduced to Europe, followed by the United States 100 years later. Despite already growing in abundance across the islands of Hawaii (which, at that time, was not yet a state in America) Hibiscus Flower Tea was quick to catch on.

Soon after, the worldwide tea industry began to accommodate this delicious herbal tisane on a far larger scale.  

The US state of Hawaii, in particular, shares a long and expansive history with the Hibiscus plant. When the flower of the hibiscus plant is placed behind the right ear of ‘a maiden’, this indicates that she is looking for a partner!

However, if the hibiscus flower is placed behind the left ear, this means she is ‘taken’! There is no surprise then, that the Hibiscus Flower is, in fact, Hawaii’s state plant!

Meanwhile, in countries such as Senegal, and Malaysia, Hibiscus is the national plant! Here at The Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company, we generally prefer to use these flowers for infusions, rather than for decorative purposes!

Type of Tea: Herbal Tea. Whole loose dried Hibiscus Flowers.

Origin: Nigeria.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.

How to Serve: Many of our customers prefer to have this beverage without any accompaniments. However, if you have a particularly defined sweet tooth, you may wish to consider the addition of honey or to chill and serve as an Iced Tea.

Tasting Notes: Often considered sharper in flavour compared with other Hibiscus blends, this tisane can offer rich floral aromas, coupled with the delightful, if slightly bitter tastes of the hibiscus flower. Combining sweet and sour is a match made in heaven, and ensures this beverage leaves a wonderfully zesty aftertaste.   

Colour in Cup: Deep red liquor, dark in tone.

Benefits of Hibiscus Tea: This beverage is best known for helping to reduce high blood pressure. In fact, one such study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA) saw sixty-five people aged between 30 to 70 - all of whom were considered “at risk” from their high blood pressure - split into two groups.

The first group consumed Hibiscus Tea three times a day, while the second group were given a placebo. After a six week period, the results determined that the Hibiscus Group ... “showed an average fall of 7.2 per cent in blood pressure, with some recording a 13.2 per cent drop.

The placebo group recorded a 1.3 per cent drop.” Further to this, Hibiscus Tea has been recognised for its anti-aging properties, as well as providing menstrual relief, and even maintaining a healthy Immune System.