Its fruity flavour is both tangy and sweet, making hibiscus in tea the perfect ingredient. It can be found in our Super Berries and Beautiful Me, but what are the benefits of including this delicious flower in your morning brew?
The benefits of drinking hibiscus in tea
Hibiscus has long been used in herbal medicine, but today you can find hibiscus in tea, jams and syrups all over the world. Its fruity flavour makes produce taste delicious, whilst the health benefits also make it a popular ingredient with many.
Looking for an immune boost? The hibiscus plant is rich in antioxidants which can help to destroy harmful molecules in the body. Research also suggests hibiscus in tea can help to fight inflammation.
The flower has been known to slightly lower blood pressure, but please note it is by no means a replacement for medication to those diagnosed with high blood pressure. Some studies also show that hibiscus can support liver health, by protecting a variety of toxins.
In our humble opinion however, the main benefit of drinking hibiscus in tea is the wonderfully fruity flavour!
Origins of hibiscus
The native origin of the beautiful hibiscus flower is unknown, though it was certainly first grown on the Asian continent. The species name means ‘rose of China’, but experts believe that hibiscus more likely originates from India, where natives have long enjoyed hibiscus in tea. The flower has also been cultivated in China, Japan and the Pacific Islands for a very long time.
How we’re sustainably farming hibiscus for our tea
At English Tea Shop, we provide hibiscus seedlings for farmers free of charge. We’re also the first company to encourage the growth of organic Hibiscus from nursery level using certified-organic seedlings.
Hibiscus in tea is super flavoursome and is actually one of the top five ingredients used in our blends. The conditions needed for growing hibiscus is a tropical environment, which is of course ideal for Sri Lanka. Currently our main source for the Hibiscus is from Egypt, though we have plans to source Hibiscus grown in Sri Lanka. This will not only benefit our farmers in crop diversification, but also help our economy too! We love the taste and the benefits of drinking hibiscus in tea, but what is your favourite ingredient?
Hibiscus in tea from English Tea Shop
You’ll find the flower of hibiscus in our Super Berries and Beautiful Me blends, but which one sounds the most appealing to your tastes?
Super Berries is a fruity and vibrant tea with a lot of fragrance. Once brewed, it’s a beautiful dark red colour and is loved by many. Hibiscus and rooibos build this tea up to be a full-bodied and flavour-packed blend. A hint of sweetness and a refreshing berry taste completes the tea with the final organic ingredients; spearmint, raspberries, strawberries and blueberries. It’s also naturally caffeine-free, so you can get your fix anytime of day, without the worry of not sleeping at bed time!
Beautiful Me is one of our wellness teas which is again caffeine-free. The blend leads with chamomile, giving the tea well-combined flavours and a robust mellow structure which is perfect for drinking before bed. A combination of spices and fruit creates a powerful fragrance and makes the tea a golden brown colour once brewed. The spicy taste of cinnamon, orange peel and cranberry give it an aromatic and fruity twist whilst the rose petals and hibiscus add a floral and oriental touch. A beautiful tea for every occasion. It’s complete with a touch of rooibos, invigorating gotu kola and beetroot.
Stay tuned as we celebrate more organic ingredients throughout this blog series. Coming up: Lemongrass – a refreshing antibacterial ingredient.
*We are not medical professionals and do not advise you to use tea to treat any medical conditions. Instead, please consult your doctor.