Egyptian Karkade – Hibiscus Iced Tea

Egyptian Karkade – Hibiscus Iced Tea | Karkadeh Recipe | Karkade Recipe How to make Hibiscus Iced Tea at Home with video and step by step instructions

Egyptian Karkade – Hibiscus Iced Tea | Karkadeh Recipe is a popular tea of Egypt and forms a part of the traditional welcome drink. It is distinguished by its deep intense ruby red color.

This Hibiscus Iced Tea is consumed in Egypt, Sudan and other parts of Africa as well, Middle East and Latin America. Its names may differ from country to country such as Bissap in Senegal, Agua de flor de Jamaica,  Agua de Jamaica and Rosa de Jamaica in Mexico, Central America, and parts of South America and Sorrel in Caribbean Jamaica. However, they all essentially refer to Hibiscus Tea.

In the Middle East such as UAE, herbal and non herbal tea varieties are quite prevalent. Here one will not only find green tea , but also Sulaimani tea, Chamomile, Jasmine and Egyptian Karkade to name a few. Additionally, Karak Chai is equally popular.

What is Egyptian Karkade – Hibiscus Iced Tea

Karkadeh is a herbal tea made from infusion of fresh or dried calyces (sepals) of the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa – Arabic name) flower. It has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. It is consumed both hot and cold.

Its thirst-quenching effect makes Karkade an excellent option for replacing aerated drinks in the hotter areas.

Why Karkade

Makes a healthy drink

Refreshing thirst quencher

Easy to make

Caffeine free

Ingredients

For Measurements refer to the RECIPE CARD further below.

Dried Hibiscus flowers – Available as loose Karkade or in packets

Water

Sugar and sugar syrup

For Garnish – Lime slices, Mint leaves

Karkade Tea recipe video

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How to make Hibiscus Iced Tea

with step by step instructions

Firstly, bring water to a boil. Add the dried Hibiscus flowers.

Boil for 2 minutes.

Add the sugar and continue to boil for another one or two minutes.

Turn off the flame and move the pot off the stove.

Let the hibiscus steep for an hour.

Strain the tea into a glass pitcher. This is the Karkade concentrate.

Let the concentrate in the pitcher cool down. Add some fresh mint leaves.

Then place Karkade concentrate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to cool.

How to serve Karkade

Just before serving, add some chilled water. Take care not to dilute it too much. Taste the Karkade. Accordingly add more chilled water and sugar syrup. Adding sugar syrup is optional. Alternatively, you could add maple syrup or honey.

Squeeze in some lime juice and stir.

Serve in a glass over ice and garnish with mint leaves for a light refreshing flavor.

How to serve

Serve Karkade tea garnished with mint leaves or slice of lime. You could pair this with Basbousa, Panna cotta or Rustic Chocolate Cake. If you are looking to serving this with savory dish, then falafels, Za’ater Cheese manakish are a go-for. Hummus or Spiced Labneh with Cucumber and carrot crudites also are a good serving option.

Do not have Karkade on an empty stomach since it is acidic .

Variations

For a change , you may add a small cinnamon stick or star anise during boiling.

Before chilling the Karkade you could add some rose water or orange slices.

Tips for a Perfect Karkadeh

You could make the Karkade concentrate without sugar. Then just before serving you may add sugar syrup. Do not add sugar powder just before serving. It won’t melt.

Do leave a feedback below in the COMMENTS SECTION or my FACEBOOK PAGE.

Recipe Card

Egyptian Karkade – Hibiscus Iced Tea

Karkadeh is a herbal tea made from infusion of fresh or dried calyces (sepals) of the roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flower. It has a tart, cranberry-like flavor. It is consumed both hot and cold. Its thirst-quenching effect makes it an excellent option for replacing aerated drinks in the hotter areas.

5 from 5 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Steeping time 1 hour hr

Course Breakfast, Tea Time

Cuisine Egyptian, Latin American, Middle Eastern

Servings 1 jug

Equipment

• Saucepan

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup Hibiscus flowers dried
• 5 cups Water 3 cups boiled water for steeping and 2 or more cups chilled water to be added
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• Sugar syrup optional
• Lime juice

For Garnish

• Lime slices
• Mint leaves
• Ice cubes optional

Instructions

 

• Firstly, bring water to a boil. Add the dried Hibiscus flowers.
• Boil for 2 minutes.
• Add the sugar and continue to boil for another one or two minutes.
• Turn off the flame and move the pot off the stove.
• Let the hibiscus steep for an hour.
• Strain the tea into a glass pitcher. This is the Karkade concentrate.
• Let the concentrate in the pitcher cool down. Add some fresh mint leaves.
• Then place Karkade concentrate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to cool.
• Just before serving, add some chilled water. Take care not to dilute it too much. Taste the Karkade. Accordingly add more chilled water and sugar syrup. Adding sugar syrup is optional. Alternatively, you could add maple syrup or honey.
• Squeeze in some lime juice

How to serve

• Serve Karkade tea in glasses over ice garnished with mint leaves and lime slices.
• You could pair this with Panna cotta or Rustic Chocolate Cake. If you are looking to pair this with savory dish then falafels, manakish are a go-for. Hummus or Spiced Labneh with cucumber and carrot crudites also would a good serving option.

Notes

You may make the Karkade concentrate without sugar. Then just before serving you may choose to add sugar syrup.

Keyword Hibiscus Iced Tea, how to make Karkadi at home, Karkadé, Karkade recipe, Karkade Tea Recipe, Karkadeh recipe, Karkare, Kerkede

FAQ

Is Karkade/Hibiscus Tea caffeine free and calories free

Karkade/Hibiscus Tea is naturally caffeine free tea and calories free. Since this tea has a tart taste so adding sugar or honey as a sweetener adds to the caloris and carbohydrates content. (Source: MedicalNewsToday )

What are the health benefits of Karkade

Karkade is high in anti oxidants having anti inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. It may help to lower blood pressure, stabilize blood sugar and could promote weight loss.(Source: Healthline, )

What are the side effects of Karkade

Generally no risks involved in moderate consumption of Karkade. People with blood pressure related issues and diabetic people should monitor their BP and blood sugar levels when consuming Karkade. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not drink Karkade. (Source: Eatingwell )

What is the main difference between green tea and hibiscus tea?

Green tea has a subtle, earthy taste, while hibiscus tea has a tart cranberry like flavor. Also green tea contains caffeine, while hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free.

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