Karkade (Sudanese rose flowers)

Karkade is not tea. Karkade is the petals of the Sudanese rose, a type of hibiscus. Fruity in aroma, with a sour, slightly astringent taste and a refreshing aftertaste. Reminiscent of red currant.

The petals are collected in the spring and summer in the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Yunnan and Sichuan. You can brew it either by infusion or by steeping it in glass or porcelain. Use 80-degree water and wait from 30 seconds to several minutes. Hibiscus brews well in cold water, which is suitable for the summer heat and lowering blood pressure. You can also rinse your hair and wash your face with a vitamin infusion of hibiscus.