Jamaican Cookery News

Agua de Jamaica, also known as hibiscus tea, is a popular beverage in many Latin American countries. It is made by brewing dried hibiscus flowers with water and sweetening it with sugar or honey. The tea has a tart, cranberry-like flavor and is often served cold. Of course, this is alcohol-free Jamaican sorrel drink. Agua de Jamaica  (Jamaican sorrel drink)is known for its numerous health benefits, including its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and aid in digestion. It is also a rich source of antioxidants and can help to boost the immune system

Method

I buy fresh sorrel from the market, then I let them dry for two days in the sun. I used 2 lbs. for this recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs. sorrel about 2 cups

Piece of fresh ginger root

Few pimento seeds (allspice)

4 cups water

Method

Peel and wash ginger root, add to a pot with 4 cups water. Add the pimento seeds (allspice) as well. Put on high heat and bring to a boil. Turn off stove. Add sorrel petals, cover pot and allow to steep overnight. Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve or a cheesecloth to remove the hibiscus flowers. Sweeten with white sugar or honey.  Serve the sorrel drink  chilled, over ice if desired. You can also add a slice of lemon or lime for added flavor.