The hibiscus plant is widely cultivated as an ornamental in warmer areas. The showy hibiscus flower is the main reason this plant is so popular.
But there’s also another side to hibiscus flowers – health benefits.
Throughout recorded history, we know that tea made from hibiscus flowers have been used for everything from constipation and cold symptoms to treating heart and nerve diseases.
Today, hibiscus, backed by research, is believed to have potential to reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Hibiscus might also help prevent obesity and fat buildup in the liver.
Researchers are especially interested in hibiscus anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid (a class of compounds with antioxidant effects) that could hold anticancer properties.
While most people who turn to hibiscus for health benefits do so by drinking hibiscus tea, there are also other means to take hibiscus.
Sometimes hibiscus even turns up in recipes, like this tasty yet healthful hibiscus flower quesadilla.
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Ingredients
1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
4 cups water
1 tablespoon oil
½ a small onion, diced
1 garlic clove
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
4 tortillas ( corn/flour blend)
5 ounces crumbled queso fresco cheese (or jack)
Optional additions: chopped scallions, cilantro, sliced avocado
Instructions
Step One
In a medium pot, add 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers to 4 cups water. Bring to a boil, cover, then simmer on medium for 5 minutes. Turn heat off and leave covered.
Step Two
Prep onion and garlic, crumble the cheese and get garnishes ready (slice avocado, chop cilantro, scallions). Drain flowers, reserving and chilling liquid for drinks.
Step Three
In a skillet, heat oil over med-high. Add onion and drained re-hydrated hibiscus flowers. Sauté for two minutes. Turn heat to medium-low, add garlic, stir a minute, then cover, let cook 5 minutes. Add salt and spices, mix.
Step Four
Assemble quesadillas. Add crumbled queso fresco cheese to half the tortilla, top with cooked hibiscus, avocado, scallions and cilantro. Fold over. Repeat.
Step Five
In a greased skillet over medium heat, lightly brown both sides of the quesadillas then place on a sheet pan in a warm oven to melt the cheese. Cut into wedges. Serve hot.
Note: You should be able to find hibiscus flowers in the bulk section of your grocery store, ethnic stores, health stores or Mexican stores. After the hibiscus flowers are cooked a bit, they will take on a meaty quality.
The whole meal can be made in about 25 minutes.
(Source: Sylvia Fountaine, feastingathome.com)
