Hibiscus is a brilliant cross between sweet and tangy, like pomegranate and cranberry became one beautiful and elegant fruit. It’s popularity has grown more recent among various companies in the health and nutrition segment leading to it’s use in a wide variety of flavored and naturally sweetened beverages.
I grew up around Hibiscus plants all my life being a native Virgin Islander. My dad is an Executive Chef and has worked all across the Caribbean in some of the best resorts where he would incorporate Hibiscus into recipes.
Click here for the full article on Hibiscus benefits for the May 2021 Well+Good Magazine.
Hibiscus and Immune Health
Hibiscus has long been linked to a healthy immune system—something that has been even more top-of-mind for consumers during the pandemic. (To be ultra clear, hibiscus cannot protect you against COVID-19). “Hibiscus helps the immune system because it’s high in antioxidants, particularly polyphenols,” Freeman says. “Polyphenols help fight off free radicals [atoms that damage cells], which can cause someone to get sick. Hibiscus also contains vitamin C, another reason why it’s beneficial for the immune system.”
Ingredients
- Lemonade
Instructions
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In a bowl add dried hibiscus leaves and grated ginger; set aside. On medium high heat, bring 2 cups of water to a rolling boil, pour over the ginger and hibiscus mixture and let steep for 20 minutes.
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Using an empty ice tray, add mint leaves (optional) inside of each cube and pour the strained hibiscus tea. Place the ice tray in the freezer for 2 hours or until ice cubes are firm to the touch.
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Add to another bowl, fresh squeezed lemon juice, vanilla extract, honey and two cups of water. Stir until well combined and add more sweetener to taste preference.
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Once Hibiscus ice cubes are set and lemonade has been made, it is time to assemble your beverage. In a glass add 3-4 ice cubes and fill with freshly made lemonade. Stir gently, garnish with lemon slices and Enjoy!!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: cups | |
| Servings: 2 | |
| Amount per serving | |
| Calories | 83 |
| % Daily Value* | |
| Total Fat 0.6g | 1% |
| Saturated Fat 0.5g | 3% |
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 28mg | 1% |
| Total Carbohydrate 19.6g | 7% |
| Dietary Fiber 0.5g | 2% |
| Total Sugars 18.6g | |
| Protein 0.7g | |
| Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
| Calcium 22mg | 2% |
| Iron 0mg | 2% |
| Potassium 112mg | 2% |
| *The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. | |