Hi again Beard and Bonnet readers! Sabrina of Vigor and Sage here, so glad to be back with another installment of our edible flowers series. I think you are really going to love this one!
Somehow it's already June which just seems crazy! We’ve already kicked off the unofficial start to summer with beach days and BBQs. The kids are nearly out of school and the longer days have us dreaming up tropical vacations. Since neither one of us is actually traveling to a tropical place this summer, we decided to bring in those vacation vibes with the ultimate tropical flower, HIBISCUS!
Gorgeous and exotic with its big vibrant petals, Hibiscus is also edible and nutritious! The flavor is tart, similar to cranberry, and is often enjoyed as a tea. It is high in Vitamin C, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties making Hibiscus a great way to boost your immune system and fight off illness. The cooling effects of Hibiscus may even help ease the discomfort caused by a fever, or at least help cool you down on a hot summer day.
Hibiscus tea has emmenagogue effects (stimulating blood flow to the pelvic region) which may help some women find relief from menstrual pain and mood swings, depression and overeating related to menstruation. With that being said, pregnant women should be cautious about drinking Hibiscus tea before speaking with their health specialist. Hibiscus also has diuretic properties. The increase in urination helps detoxify the body and may help some people lower their blood pressure. Hibiscus can be just as good on the outside of our bodies as it is on the inside. The naturally moisture rich qualities of Hibiscus may help hydrate your skin and hair, some even swear it helps prevent premature graying!
With all the amazing health benefits of Hibiscus, you’re probably wondering where to get it and how to use it! Like most edible flowers, its easiest to find Hibiscus dried. If you can’t get it at your local health food store, you can find it here. The possibilities are endless, but just to get you started we’ve rounded up our favorite 5 favorite ways to indulge with Hibiscus everyday.
1. Hibiscus Cashew Cream: The tart and tangy flavor of hibiscus is tamed by the addition of earthy sweet roasted beets, cashews and a little vegan beef broth in this sensational cashew cream. This sauce is so good on our Crispy Black Bean Taco Cups, but it is also perfect with a simple crudite.
2. Hibiscus Rosé Mimosa: Move over oj and champagne mimosa's our weekend brunch tables will be featuring wild hibiscus blossoms and bottles of bubbly rosé instead. We love the sweet and tart flavor combination and the way the wild hibiscus blossom petals open up in the glass when the rosé is poured over top.
3. Hibiscus Hair Rinse: Day two hair on day one? We'll take it! Try this super simple hibiscus hair rinse for soft, manageable, healthy hair without the chemicals.
4. Hibiscus Key Lime Margarita: This spin on a classic margarita is just what you need to start the summer off right! Hibiscus tea concentrate, tequila, St. Germain, ginger beer and fresh key lime juice make one heck of a lovely combination to sip poolside.
5. Leif Hibiscus Bath Soak: One of our favorite ways to relax at the end of a long day is to soak in a nice hot bath! Hibiscus is known to improve elasticity, even skin tone, gently exfoliate and enhance the skin's ability to retain moisture and it is the star of this antioxidant-rich, all natural bath soak.
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Warner says
Thanx for the useful and authentic information you have shared about Hibiscus Flower with this article
it will be surely beneficial for everyone.
Cassie says
I never even knew that hibiscus was edible! These recipes look wonderful. I have to try out that hair rinse and bath soak remedy!
Meg says
Thanks Cassie! I buy hibiscus flowers dried as tea from Amazon and use it for all sorts of things. I also buy whole wild hibiscus flowers that are preserved in a sweet syrup for cocktails. Both are great, but the dried flowers are definitely more versatile than the whole ones.