Summer Sun Tea: Rose, Apple, Hibiscus
Note: I am not a medical professional, all the information below is for educational purposes only. Please do further research if you have questions.
One of my most popular recipes to date is my Summer Sun Tea. I’ve made two batches of that already this year and my goodness it’s delicious. However wanted something a little different this time.
I went down to my pantry and started looking through the shelves of herbs and preserved foods and suddenly a jar of dried apples jumped out at me. I immediately had the thought, “What about “apple hibiscus”?” Hibiscus is so sour, which I love, but it would be nice to mellow that a little with some sweetness. I gathered my jars of hibiscus and apples and started up stairs when suddenly a jar of dried rose petals caught the corner of my eye. I stopped and imagined the trio of flavors mingling together and I knew a knew tea had been born. The other recipe has roses in it too and I had to add them in.
I’m sure someone has thought of this recipe before, but it’s really fun to make your own teas from ingredients at hand. Plus the rose petals and apples were grown by me, harvested by me, processed and dried by me. It’s always a lovely feeling when you know you had a very large part in the making of the ingredients in your food and drink.
Why is hibiscus the main ingredient in this sun tea?
Well, I spend A LOT of time outside in the sun during the summer and UV can be rough even if you have on an hat and sun shirt and take shade breaks. Skin health is a huge priority for me and since what you put in your body has just as big of an effect as what you put on it, it’s important to consume herbs and food that are skin supportive. Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins, the same pigments found in berries and red cabbage. These natural compounds are powerful antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and even support heart health.
Polyphenols: Nature’s Shield
Hibiscus is also brimming with polyphenols—a group of plant compounds that include flavonoids and phenolic acids. These act like tiny bodyguards, defending your system against oxidative stress and helping lower the risk of chronic diseases.
A Touch of Vitamin C
Add in a boost of vitamin C, and hibiscus becomes even more of a wellness all-star. This essential nutrient supports your immune system and helps your body bounce back from daily wear and tear.
Built-In Plant Wisdom
Here’s a fun fact: hibiscus plants create these antioxidants to protect themselves from harsh sun, pests, and environmental stress. When we consume the flower, we get to borrow those benefits too.
I definitely feel the difference in my inflamation after drinking a cup or two of this tea. It’s really nice served cold. You can jazz it up with some mineral water. If you are brave and don’t mind the sugar content you try tonic water too.
Rose, Apple, Hibiscus Sun Tea
Ingredients:
1 cup hibiscus petals
1 cup dried apples slices
1/2 cup dried rose petals
half gallon mason jar
water (preferably fresh spring water if you have a spring in your town)
Method:
Place all the dried ingredients into the jar. Add the water. Put the lid on and turn the jar top to bottom in your hands so all the ingredients get wet and will eventually sink to the bottom. Place the jar in a sunny spot and leave for 4-8 hours or whenever you remember it.
Once the tea has steeped to your liking, filter out the plant ingredients and refrigerate. (Just leave all the ingredients in the jar and use a small mesh filter when I pour myself a glass)
I hope you enjoy this new twist on sun tea. This will definitely be at my solstice bbq and 4th of July bbq.
If you make this tea, leave me a comment below. I’d love to know how it turned out for you.
