Contents
Karkade’s history
In ancient times, hibiscus tea was considered a drink for the elite – for people of the upper class. For example, the Arabs used it to treat all ailments. Also, jelly and jam were cooked from hibiscus petals. The Egyptians put hibiscus in tombs at the burial of wealthy people.
There are over a hundred types of hibiscus. Basically, this tea grows in a mild climate – in India (the birthplace of hibiscus), Ceylon, Sri Lanka. In many countries of the East and Asia, hibiscus is considered a national drink.
In European countries, a bright red drink appeared only in the 18th century. In Our Country – about half a century ago.
Composition and calorie content
| Caloric content for 100 grams | 37 kcal |
| Fats | 0,7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Proteins | 0,4 g |
The use of the carcade
The secret of hibiscus tea lies in its composition. It contains many minerals, vitamins and nutrients, including beta-carotene, B vitamins (B2, B5, B6, B9, B12), A, C, PP. There are potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium.
Hibiscus tea affects blood pressure. A warm drink raises blood pressure and helps to cheer up. A cold drink, on the contrary, reduces pressure and soothes.
Hibiscus has a diuretic and laxative effect, linoleic acid lowers cholesterol and prevents the appearance of plaques on the walls of blood vessels.
It also fights bacteria and viral infections, so tea is especially useful in the autumn-winter period for colds. Citric acid supports immunity.
The bright red color of the tea is due to the substance anthocyanin. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels and has a beneficial effect on the entire body. Calcium and phosphorus strengthen bones, teeth, hair and nails.
Harm to hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is not recommended for people with high acidity in the stomach, gastritis and peptic ulcer. And also for those who take hormonal drugs and suffer from cholelithiasis.
Hibiscus is harmful to pregnant women and those planning to conceive a child. Hibiscus tea is a natural estrogen: it stimulates uterine contractions and blocks the maturation of eggs.
Do not forget about individual intolerance to the product.
Application in medicine
Nutritionists recommend hibiscus tea for weight loss, as well as in the hot season. The drink prevents dehydration. It is also used after food poisoning (with vomiting and diarrhea). It is also suitable for normalizing the acid-base and water balance in the body.
– The bright red color of hibiscus indicates that it contains a lot of anthocyanins – these are antioxidants that preserve vitamin C. There is also rutin, which strengthens the cardiovascular system and small capillaries, in particular. Hibiscus tea has a diuretic effect, dilates blood vessels. Therefore, the drink is useful for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. It also has a choleretic effect. It has a good effect on the liver, removes toxins. All this helps in the fight against excess weight and a hangover, – said nutritionist Elena Solomatina, candidate of medical sciences.
Cooking application
Hibiscus tea is prepared very simply. Hibiscus petals are poured with boiling water and insisted. Add honey or sugar to taste.
Hibiscus tea is also added to sweet desserts and meat side dishes to add piquancy and an unusual flavor to the dish.
Hibiscus soufflé
A delicate dessert is obtained with spicy notes and slight sourness. True, in order to cook it, you will have to try and allocate about 1,5 hours for cooking. But trust me it’s worth it
| Karkade | 10 g |
| Gelatin (instant) | 12 g |
| Water | 200 ml |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried mint | 0,5 teaspoons |
| Dried lemon balm | 0,5 teaspoons |
| dried rosemary | 0,3 teaspoons |
| Ginger | 1 piece. |
Pour hibiscus with cold water, add sugar, lemon balm, rosemary, mint and chopped ginger. Put the mixture on fire and keep for 10 minutes after boiling. Strain the decoction through a sieve. Add gelatin. Whisk the mixture until fluffy. Put the mass into the prepared form, put in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
Steak marinated in hibiscus
A variant of a traditional grilled steak in an unusual marinade. Hibiscus gives the meat dish a spicy sweet and sour taste. In addition, the dish turns out to be unusually light, after which there is no feeling of heaviness.
| Pork | 1,3 kg |
| Karkade | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger | 30 g |
| Onions | 3 piece. |
| Salt and pepper | to taste |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Soy sauce | 5 tablespoons |
Hibiscus pour a glass of boiling water, leave to cool on its own. Add chopped ginger, onion, salt, hot pepper, honey, basil, hibiscus tea and soy sauce to the chopped meat. Mix the whole mass and leave to marinate overnight. Grill the steak until golden brown. Serve with vegetables.
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How to choose and store
Buy hibiscus tea at the market, where it is sold by weight. So you can check the quality of the dried petals. If the leaves break with a crunch, the product is of high quality, you can take it. If the hibiscus does not crumble, then the flowers are dried incorrectly, the tea is not suitable for drinking.
Storage conditions. After buying hibiscus, pour into a linen bag or glass jar with a lid. Keep in a dry, dark place, away from direct sunlight and gas stove.