Karkanji Hibiscus Tea Africa
Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Karkanji, a traditional African hibiscus tea that’s as refreshing as it is aromatic. This caffeine-free herbal infusion combines the tart, ruby-red hue of dried hibiscus flowers with a warming medley of fresh ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of citrusy orange zest. Sweetened to taste and optionally enhanced with a splash of tangy lemon juice, Karkanji is perfect for any occasion—sip it chilled over ice for a rejuvenating summertime treat or enjoy it warm as a comforting beverage on cooler days. With just 25 minutes total time and a blend of all-natural ingredients, this easy-to-make tea is full of antioxidants and rich cultural tradition, bringing the spirit of West Africa to your table.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Dried hibiscus flowers
- 6 cups Water
- 0.5 cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Fresh ginger (peeled and sliced)
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 5 pieces Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Orange zest
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the dried hibiscus flowers under cold running water to remove any dust or impurities. Drain well.
In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the water is boiling, add the rinsed hibiscus flowers, sugar, fresh ginger slices, cinnamon stick, cloves, and orange zest.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely.
After simmering, remove the pot from the heat and let the Karkanji steep for an additional 5 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove the solids (hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon stick, and cloves).
Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour if serving cold.
Taste the tea and adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more sugar or lemon juice, if desired.
Serve chilled over ice cubes for a refreshing drink, or warm it up for a cozy version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
575 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 3.5 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 81 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.9 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.4 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 117.2 g | ||
| Protein | 2.1 g | 4% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 725 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 23.2 mg | 129% | |
| Potassium | 197 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
