This Easy Roselle tea recipe is a simple infusion of tangy citrus, fruity florals, and warm spices that can be enjoyed during winter holidays or summer weather!
What You’ll Need to Make Roselle Tea
Equipment:
- Glass pitcher
- Strainer
- Citrus juicer
- Blender
Ingredients:
- 2 quarts of water
- 8 oz dried roselle (1 cup)
- 2 oranges
- 4 – inch piece fresh ginger (more or less to taste)
- 1 tsp cloves
- 1/2 cup raw turbinado sugar or sweetener of choice
A Brief History
Roselle has a long history originating in tropical climates found in parts of Africa, India, and Southeast Asia. Roselle was later cultivated in other countries such as Australia, Mexico, and North America. It is also imported to European countries such as France and Switzerland.
Make sure not to confuse Red Sorrel with Green Sorrel which is used in savory recipes and salads. Roselle tea can be made with the fresh plant but also available dried in many international food stores. Once the tea is brewed it has a similar dark red color to cranberry juice but, slightly less tart flavor. The longer it steeps the darker the color.
Many recipes refer to Hibiscus, Sorrel and Roselle as the same ingredient giving the impression that the tea is only made from the flower petals. Roselle is part of the Hibiscus family but, considered a Calyx (protective part of the plant that covers the seed pod) and doesn’t quite resemble a flower. However, either one works for making tea producing the same color and flavor.
What Are The Health Benefits?
It’s not just about the taste. Roselle tea is also a source of vitamin C, Riboflavin, Niacin, Iron, and Phosphorus. There have also been claims that it has therapeutic and antioxidant properties. It’s not just for making beverages, it can be used in chutneys, jams, jellies, syrups, or as a natural food coloring due to its rich pigment.
Easy Roselle Tea Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Glass pitcher or smaller mason jars
- 1 Mesh strainer
- 1 Citrus juicer (manual or electric)
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 2 quarts water
- 8 oz dried roselle
- 2 oranges
- 4 inch piece fresh ginger
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1/2 cup raw turbinado sugar
Instructions
- Juice both oranges set aside and save rinds.
- Cut ginger into ½ inch sections and blend with ¼ cup water. Strain, press mixture with a small spoon or rubber spatula to remove excess juice. Discard pulp
- In a medium saucepan bring water to a boil. Add Roselle, orange rinds, and cloves. Continue to boil for 10 mins.
- Let mixture cool to room temperature (slightly warm). Add orange juice, ginger, and sugar. Add additional sweetener to taste and stir until dissolved.
- Transfer mixture to a glass pitcher or wide mouthed container. Let mixture infuse for at least 6 hours or overnight for a stronger flavor. Strain and discard contents before serving.
Notes
Make it Your Own
Roselle tea has many different versions due to its global popularity and cultural relevance. Not only is it easy to make but, also easy to personalize with your own favorite flavor combinations enjoyed both hot or cold:
- Egyptian Karkade is a more straight forward recipe using Hibiscus flower petals, hot water, and sugar
- Nigerian Zobo has a few variations some including pineapple rinds, cucumber, lime, and dried ginger
- Ghanian Sobolo incorporates peppercorns, nutmeg, chillies, Grains of Paradise, and grains of Selim
- Mexican Agua de Jamaica recipes often include cinnamon sticks and lime
- Reduce sugar content by adding Stevia or other sugar substitute after the tea is infused
