Karkade (Hibiscus Flower Tea)

Name: Karkade (Hibiscus Flower Tea)
Cuisine: South Sudan
Ingredients: Dried hibiscus (karkade) flowers — 40 g (1.5 oz); Water — 1 L (4 cups); Sugar, or to taste — 60-80 g (5-6 tbsp); Thin slice fresh ginger (optional) — 1; Ice, for serving cold (optional)

The Quirky Foodster Team

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Ingredients

Dried hibiscus (karkade) flowers — 40 g (1.5 oz)
Water — 1 L (4 cups)
Sugar, or to taste — 60-80 g (5-6 tbsp)
Thin slice fresh ginger (optional) — 1
Ice, for serving cold (optional)

Method

Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan.
Remove from the heat, add the dried hibiscus flowers and ginger, if using, and cover.
Steep for 10 minutes.
Strain the liquid through a fine sieve into a jug, pressing gently on the flowers to extract all the liquid.
Stir in the sugar while the tea is still warm, until fully dissolved.
Serve hot in cups, or chill and serve over ice as a cold refreshing drink.

Introduction: Bright ruby-red and tangy, karkade is South Sudan's best-loved herbal drink, steeped from dried hibiscus flowers and enjoyed hot or over ice.

Cultural Background: Bright ruby-red and tangy, karkade is South Sudan's best-loved herbal drink, steeped from dried hibiscus flowers and enjoyed hot or over ice. It appears at everyday family meals as often as it does at weddings and celebrations, where a round of karkade is a traditional way to toast a happy occasion.

Tips: Adjust the steeping time to taste – a shorter steep gives a milder, less tart tea. Karkade concentrate keeps well chilled, so you can make a batch ahead and dilute or sweeten to taste as you serve it.

Variations: Add a squeeze of lemon and a spoonful of honey for a brighter flavour. Serve as a mocktail base with a splash of sparkling water and fresh mint. Already vegan as written.

Storage: Refrigerate strained, unsweetened tea in a covered jug for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop if serving hot from chilled; do not boil again.

Nutrition: Approx. 60 kcal, 0 g protein, 0 g fat, 15 g carbohydrate, 0 g fibre per serving.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use hibiscus tea bags instead of loose flowers?

A: Yes, use about 4-6 tea bags in place of the loose dried flowers, adjusting steeping time to taste.

Q: Is karkade caffeinated?

A: No, hibiscus tea is naturally caffeine-free.