HIBISCUS TEA (Mashroub al-Karkaday)

¾ cup hibiscus leaves
5 cups water
2½ cups sugar
8 SERVINGS

Combine hibiscus leaves and water in a pan, and bring to a boil.
Immediately remove from heat and let the leaves steep in the water until it turns a dark red.
Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Strain the tea and serve warm, or allow to cool and chill it.

About the drinkThe best hibiscus in Egypt comes from Upper Egypt and Nubia. It is steeped like tea and may be drunk hot or cold. Variations- Cover leaves with cold water and let stand overnight then proceed with step 1.

If you use hibiscus in powder form, add ½ teaspoon for every cup of water and 2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste. Stir it all together over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, then drink warm or cool and chill. Alternatively, combine the powdered hibiscus and sugar in a cup, pour boiling water over it, stir to dissolve the sugar, and serve.

To make a healthier version, let the hibiscus leaves steep in cold water and do not boil. It is believed that heat affects the nutrient value of hibiscus, and this preparation is recommended for people with high blood pressure.
Prepared tamarind and hibiscus can also be mixed in equal proportion for a different drink.