Agua de Jamaica

Dried Jamaica leaves found at my local Marcado- $4.99 a pound
**Oddly enough women that are pregnant should avoid this tea but when I came across these flowers today in the Mercado I had to make some to share with you.


I first tasted this tea in the kitchen at D'Amico Cucina Restaurant in Minneapolis. The Chef I worked for use to make us this tea as a refreshing alternative on those busy nights. We would also enjoy this tea during our traditional "family meal". The "family meal" was always made by one of the cooks and mainly consisted of a pasta and salad...either way, in the D'Amico kitchen is was always just as good as anything on the menu~ made from the heart and with exceptional ingredients! This tea is no different.

This delicious herbal tea from Mexico, has a strongly refreshing, sweet taste, and is a beautiful ruby red color. It is offered by some Mexican restaurants as a refreshing alternative to iced tea. Hibiscus flowers are called jamaica in Spanish. (Pronounced ha-MIKE-ah -- not like the Caribbean island)



Here's how to make it!
•2 cups dried Jamaica flowers (or two ounces)
•6 cups water
•3/4 cup sugar

Rinse and drain the dried jamaica flowers in a large colander. Bring the water to a vigorous boil. Stir in the jamaica flowers. Stir continuously for one minute while the mixture boils.

Remove from heat, and let steep for two hours.

Strain the mixture, pressing the leaves so all the juice squeezes out. Discard the flowers. Taste. If it is too tart for your taste, add more water and/or sugar to correct for tartness and sweetness.

This drink is served cold, so cover and refrigerate before serving.