Luxor4u

Managed to obtain some hibiscus leaves in Luxor and now That I've returned home need to know how to prepare them to make drinks.

Try the "Kuwaiti" version here:

http://mimisrecipes.blogspot.com/2007/05/karkaday.html

This is the recipe I use and it tastes perfectly Egyptian, which reminds me I may have some in the kitchen cupboard I need to use up.

Those are the same as the way we make it here.

If you like to drink it hot, try adding a cinammon stick for a bit of added flavour.

[face=Comic Sans MS]I always drink Kakardy when I visit one of my friends at his shop. From the very first visit he's been going to give me some Hibiscus, but by the time we've finished talking he's forgotten all about it.

I enjoy it either hot or cold. I think it will be like other fruit and herb teas though and improve in taste and texture if you use a little honey or brown sugar, rather than white sugar, to sweeten it. It doesn't have to be too sweet but it will certainly help bring out the flavour. [/face]

You can have a glass or two on Saturday night Hepzi, hot or cold.

Lisak wrote:You can have a glass or two on Saturday night Hepzi, hot or cold.

[face=Comic Sans MS]I'd best have one of each - good for my heart and my kidneys(?) then. [/face]

I too love Karkadey - you should know it is available at Omar's in bags - just like Lipton.

A nice big red box. Maybe someone can transport some for you?

Best to all,
Scott

Kakadey is made from the flower of the hibiscus plant. I buy 1/2kilo at a time and it costs me 25el. to make the drink I put two handfulls in a saucepan with 5 desertspoons of sugar add about two litres of water bring to the biol and simmer for twenty minutes, then increase the volume of liquid to four litres and allow it to cool for a few hours, I then bottle it and put it into the fridge. I find it a cool refreshing drink and it is always there when I want it.

Yuuummm, I brought back a huge bag last time I was in Luxor - I love it chilled with a barbeque and a shisha in the garden....... I think we've had one this year

All you need to do is put some in a cup or glass add sugar then pour boiling water over them. Leave to steep then drink it. So lovely.

I noticed in Waitrose the other day that they had hibiscus juice in cartons in their drink section.

Lisak wrote:I noticed in Waitrose the other day that they had hibiscus juice in cartons in their drink section.

[face=Comic Sans MS]I'll bet they were expensive. [/face]

Actually I didn't think they were too bad, something like 85p for one carton and £1.20 for another make.
Mind you in hindsight, compared to what you'd pay in Egypt....

OB, how long does it keep once made? Or are you like I would be, and drink it so quickly it doesn't have time to deteriorate?