Rooibos & Hibiscus Tea

Years ago while living in Mexico I became familiar with hibiscus sabdariffa, the beautiful flower which Mexicans make a cold refreshing drink called Agua de Jamaica with. 

Hibiscus tea is ruby red in color and has a sour taste. Therefore, it is also known as sour tea and has a flavor similar to cranberry. It is widely available throughout the tea-drinking world and can be consumed hot or cold depending on your preference.

The hibiscus flower, in particular, is often used as a medicinal tea. Although it has a variety of claims medicinally, it appears to have evidence to support its role in reducing blood pressure in persons with elevated blood pressure. Like tea, hibiscus is also a natural diuretic so don’t go drinking the whole pitcher in one day!

Its flavour pairs nicely with the natural sweetness of Rooibos. We buy our hibiscus flowers from one of our stockists and favourite delis in Cape Town, Olive Branch Deli at Lifestyle Centre on Kloof Street. In addition to Sunbird Rooibos tea, you can find all kinds of delicacies such as olive oils, salts and herbs, cheeses, pastas, cured meats, honeys, tea and coffee at the deli. The owners are incredibly friendly and welcoming. 

Hibiscus and Rooibos Tea

• 1 litre water
• ¼ cup dried hibiscus flowers or petals
• 4 Sunbird Rooibos Leopard Valley teabags or 4 teaspoons of loose leaf Sunbird Rooibos tea
• 3 tablespoons of honey (optional)

Add the tea and hibiscus in freshly boiled water and let steep for 15 minutes. Then remove the teabags, or loose leaf tea strainer, and add the honey and taste to adjust sweetness. We like it just like that without any sweetener. Enjoy!