Red Hibiscus Tea with Calamansi Citrus (Karertik)

• Pick 20 red hibiscus blossoms for making one gallon (or 1-2 blossoms for 1 cup).



• Pluck off the petals, rinse clean, and put petals in a pot or cup.



• Bring water to a boil, and then pour over the leaves, placed in the pot or cup.



• Steep about a minute and then remove the petals from the water, which will now be purplish-red in color. Squeeze out juice from calamansi (about 1 to 2 fruits per cup), straining out the seeds. The calamansi gives a lovely bright red color and a great taste.



• Sugar is optional, the drink is very tasty (and healthiest) with just hibiscus and citrus.

Hibiscus tea is a great substitute to imported soft drinks, and if made with calamansi, this tea is also vitamin C-rich, and has important health benefits. Vitamin C protects against anemia (weak blood) as it helps the body to absorb iron, one of the minerals needed to build blood cells, protects against infection and keeps the body in a healthy condition.