Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle, Tea Hibiscus, Karkade)

The famous hibiscus tea is better known in Bulgaria with the Arabic name "Karkade". But few people know that karkade plants can also be grown successfully in Bulgaria. Seeds are sown in pots in early spring. At the end of April, they are planted directly in the ground. Before the end of the summer flowering begins, after that the flowers are collected and dried throughout the summer (as shown in one of the photos). A few flowers are allowed to set seed and mature so that there will be seed for the following year. So everyone can make their own karkade tea.

Karkade tea has been known since ancient times. It contains many valuable ingredients - a large amount of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids and pigments, but last but not least - a large amount of antioxidants. From our own experience, we can confirm that the daily consumption of a glass of cold tea from karkade without sugar, regulates and lowers blood pressure.

Karkade tea can be made hot or cold. Most of the valuable ingredients are preserved in cold tea. In 300 ml of water put 4-5 dried flowers of karkade, and if desired you can add a slice of ginger, a little lemon juice or lime. The tea is also great without sugar, but can be sweetened to your taste. The tea is stored for a few hours in the fridge and the next morning it will be deep red in color.