What to Do with Hibiscus Flowers After Making Tea
Hibiscus flowers make a delicious tea full of benefits for health and wellbeing. But what to do with the flowers after the tea is made? Here are a few ideas.
1. Re-steep the Flowers
Hibiscus flowers are often added dried to tea, but depending on the tea blend and your personal preferences, you can also re-steep the same flowers to make a second cup of tea. The second cup won’t be as strong as the first, but it’s a great way to get the most out of your ingredients.
2. Use in Smoothies/Cocktails
Hibiscus flowers are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, so why not make use of them by adding them to a smoothie or cocktail? You can either grind the used flowers into a powder to add to your beverage, or freeze the flowers in ice cube trays.
3. Add to Baked Goods
Hibiscus flowers can be used to make eye-catching desserts. Simply sprinkle used flowers on top of a cake or mix them into the dough before baking. For a hint of sweet floral flavor, add a few re-hydrated hibiscus petals to a batter.
4. Make a Pesto
Basil and pine nuts make a classic pesto, but brewed hibiscus flowers are another tasty option. Combine with olive oil, garlic, and walnuts for an flavorsome and unique twist.
5. Make Hibiscus Syrup
Using the same hibiscus flowers from your tea, you can create a delicious syrup to sweeten your drinks. Just add some water, sugar, and re-hydrate dried petals. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and let simmer until it reduces and thickens to syrup.
6. Dry the Flowers
Finally, if you want to keep using the same hibiscus flowers, you can easily dry them out to use again. Spread the wet petals on a kitchen towel and let them sit until they’re completely dry. You can keep them stored in an airtight container, ready for your next cup of tea.
Used correctly, hibiscus flowers are a great way to make a delicious cup of tea. Try these ideas to get the most out of your flowers every time.
