It was a little too strong and sweet this time, so I dialed down the hibiscus and sugar for next time
Agua de Jamaica, an iced hibiscus tea popular in Mexico
It was a little too strong and sweet this time, so I dialed down the hibiscus and sugar for next time
33 Comments
Chef_Boyargee@lemmy.world · 14 pts · 1d
The plant is also known as sorrrel or rosella.
Careful to not drink a ton, it can function as a mild laxative.
I like to add in spices for the steeping step. Mulling spices, or even just a simple cinnamon stick works great. Likewise, light brown sugar or turbinado sugar adds an extra layer of flavour.
I also recommend adding it 50/50 with plain iced tea for a different spin on an Arnold Palmer. Especially if you cut back on how much sugar you put in initially.
shalafi@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 21h
What part of the plant is used? I have a couple of bushes.
JohnnyEnzyme@piefed.social · 2 pts · 19h
I'm guessing flower heads, but that's a major omission from the linked recipe.
Checking a little, looks like the dried flower sepals are commonly sold in Mexican markets.
Chef_Boyargee@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 7h
The calyx that grows from the flower (kinda like a fruit) is the part that is used for the beverage. I don’t believe all hibiscus produce the fruit, just this varietal. Roselle
simpliston@programming.dev · 2 pts · 1d
Thanks for the tips! I made two liters, so I'll make sure to drink it slowly over a few days
swelter_spark@reddthat.com · 2 pts · 12h
I never knew that hibiscus and sorrel were the same plant.
Chef_Boyargee@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 6h
I have misspoken here. I had forgotten that the beverage made from the same plant in the Jamaican region is known as sorrel. Sorrel the plant is unrelated, but has a tart taste, and the leaves can have a red colour.
Roselle
Sorrel
orionsbelt@midwest.social · 7 pts · 1d
mejor sin azúcar! :)
provecho!
simpliston@programming.dev · 3 pts · 1d
¡Gracias! Me gusta más lo dulce que lo agrio, entonces para mi, no me gustaria sin azúcar 😅 He probado tejuino y algo similar, pero no me gustan las bebidas muy agrios o salados
JohnnyEnzyme@piefed.social · 1 pts · 19h
Iced tea is my daily drink, and I found that I was able to gradually cut down sugar over time, plus added a bit of substitute, like sucralose. So two sugar cubes and a packet of Splenda tastes perfectly normal to me in a Gatorade bottle of iced tea (828mL / 28fl oz / 1.75pints).
The amount of sugar commonly included in bottles & containers of iced tea in stores is absolutely insane.
hansolo@lemmy.today · 7 pts · 1d
Also popular in West Africa. Add a little ginger and freeze it, SO good.
GreyEyedGhost@piefed.ca · 4 pts · 1d
The variant i got from a Nigerian friend also has cloves.
hansolo@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 22h
Ooh! Fancy
BastingChemina@slrpnk.net · 3 pts · 16h
I know it as bissap in west Africa
hansolo@lemmy.today · 1 pts · 12h
That's it
ickplant@lemmy.world · 4 pts · 1d
Apparently I made this all the time without knowing it has a name. Well, I learned about hibiscus tea in Egypt. Tried a cup and fell in love. I definitely use less hibiscus and sugar so it’s more of a refresher.
pineapplelover@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 3 pts · 1d
One of my favorite agua frescas
frunch@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 23h
The glass isn't big enough, lol. Anytime I've ordered an agua fresca it comes in like a 32oz container at minimum🥤👀
simpliston@programming.dev · 2 pts · 23h
Yeah, those huge plastic cups
notthebees@reddthat.com · 1 pts · 4h
It's a deli container.
billionsandbillions@piefed.social · 2 pts · 18h
Nice, here's my Kombucha de Jamaica. :)
jeena@piefed.jeena.net · 2 pts · 1d
So is it sweat or sour or what is the taste?
Nora@lemmy.dbzer0.com · 6 pts · 1d
It's very strong hibiscus flavor which tends to lean sour/tart and a little bit of sugar to take the edge off. IMO its really good if you like hibiscus.
ChicoSuave@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1d
It's tart, fruity, and earthy, like fresh berries. The sweetness and tart is based on how much sugar is used to make the jamaica (ha-my-kah). It's often served cold or with ice.
3rd best Mexican drink after agua fresca and horchatta. It's very much worth trying if you find the opportunity.
xylol@leminal.space · 3 pts · 23h
Arent Jamaica and horchata agua frescas? What is agua fresca singular?
simpliston@programming.dev · 1 pts · 23h
They are, yes, but they're special. I think most other agua frescas are mostly different fruits blended with water and sugar, but these two are special enough to stand apart from the rest
simpliston@programming.dev · 1 pts · 1d
I agree! Horchata is my absolute favourite from Mexico, I make it pretty often. Agua fresca is also versatile and balanced
simpliston@programming.dev · 2 pts · 1d
The hibiscus gives it a sour taste. With the amount of sugar I used, it turned out about as sweet as sour, but very intense in total
YetiBeets@lemmy.world · 3 pts · 1d
If it has too much hibiscus AND too much sugar. Did you consider adding more water?
simpliston@programming.dev · 1 pts · 1d
Yeah, I reduced both sugar and hibiscus for next time, effectively increasing the water content
HulkSmashBurgers@reddthat.com · 1 pts · 18h
Yum. Sorrel is tasty too
https://jamaicanfoodsandrecipes.com/jamaican-sorrel-drink-recipe/
Medic8eme@piefed.ca · 1 pts · 19h
Also great with a third lemonade. Delish.
rollerbang@lemmy.world · -2 pts · 21h
TIL that people need recipes for teas/infusions...