Thursday, 20 October 2011

Recipe: Roselle Tea 洛神花茶

Don't you love those old school coffee shop glasses?
I was first introduced to this strange-looking flower by Mum who has bought a bagful of it from the market.

Due to it's odd appearance, I was apprehensive to drink the tea brewed with the flowers.

"It tastes just like Ribena," Mum said.

The color looks similar but I cannot be too sure about the taste. You know how parents tend to lie through their teeth just to trick us into eating/drinking something that is "good for us"?

Remember when you were a kid, how you had medicine forced down your throat while your parents chant, “甜甜的” nonstop?

Taking care not to incur her wrath, I took one small sip just so to appease her.

One sip led to another and before long, I finished the entire glass of tea.

Mum is right afterall!

I was amazed by it's similarity to the Blackcurrent drink except this is a little sour but so much healthier without all the unnecessary sugars!

This flower, a relative to the Hibiscus, is rich in antioxidants and minerals especially vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamins B1, B2 and B6.

Here are some benefits of Roselle:

- Diuretic
- Controls fever
- Aids digestion
- Soothes colds
- Controls diabetes
- Clears up mucous
- Controls cholesterol
- Clears blocked nose
- Controls high blood pressure
- Promotes proper kidney function

I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Bon appetit!
Fresh Roselle (Boiled Method)

Ingredients:
Fresh Roselle 15 pieces
Enough water to fill a pot
Rock Sugar/Honey  to taste

Instructions:
1) Rinse the Roselle well and drain
2) Boil water with the Roselle for 20 - 30 minutes using low heat
3) Add Rock Sugar or Honey to taste
4) Serve hot or chilled


Dried Roselle (Brewed Method)

Ingredients:
Dried Roselle 7 pieces
Dried Hawthorn (optional)
Enough water to fill a teapot
Rock Sugar/Honey  to taste

Instructions:
1) Rinse the dried Roselle and dried Hawthorn and put them in a teapot
2) Add boiling water and allow to seep for 20 - 30 minutes
3) Add Rock Sugar or Honey to taste
4) Serve hot or chilled
Fresh Roselle

Boil in a pot of water

 Allow the color to seep

Filter the flowers off

The dry variety

How it looks like
Note:
  • Not recommended for patients with low blood pressures.
  • Take in moderation.
* This is a scheduled post