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!