HIBISCUS INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP

Hibiscus infused simple syrup, one of our highlights this fall. Simple syrups are great to have around for teas, cocktails, desserts and so much more. This one definitely gets more love especially with the upcoming holiday season. Floral, sweet, vibrant red, everything that speaks for the holiday season.

This spring we introduced a new friend to the backyard garden, Roselle, also known as Florida cranberry. After about 6 months of tender love and care, we are harvesting some very plum calyces after one of the prettiest blooms to grace our garden this fall. Most of the plant is edible, but we mainly use the calyces for tea and the leaves for salads or smoothies.

WHAT IS A SIMPLE SYRUP

Simply put, a sugar and water mixture. With unflavored simple syrups, heat equal parts sugar and water until sugar is completely dissolved. This offers a more uniform and consistent means of adding a sweetener to beverages.

MAKING HIBISCUS INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP

• Fresh Hibiscus calyces: These may be hard to come but are definitely great for this syrup. The flavor, color and nutritional value is untouched. Even better is, once you are done with the infusion, you can use them for baking. Think tarts, pies, crumbles, baked goods in general. The entire flower is edible. My kids actually just snack on them.
• Cane Sugar: This is essential here but you can also use honey, maple syrup or agave.
• And of course, water to dissolve the sugar.

These are the 3 simple ingredients needed to bring this syrup into your home kitchen

CAN YOU USE DRIED CALYCES ?

You sure can. The chances of you finding them fresh at your local grocery store or farmers’ market are pretty low but if you do, grab them! Like previously mentioned, these were grown in our backyard garden. You can find the dried calyces at your local Mexican store. Look or ask for jamaica.

HIBISCUS INFUSED SIMPLE SYRUP BENEFITS

Though they are a sight to behold when they bloom, this plant is so much more. Not only is it delicious, but it also boasts some pretty amazing benefits.

Don’t replace your blood pressure medication with hibiscus but it could help control blood pressure due to its diuretic effects.

It is also anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants which have been shown to play a role in disease prevention.

Natural dye vs synthetic: Now imagine if every synthetic red dye was replaced with the compounds responsible for the naturally beautiful red of hibiscus or other plants. Let’s hope to see the days where food dyes come from nature.

WAYS TO USE YOUR HIBISCUS SIMPLE SYRUP

Drinks – We have a jar in the refrigerator that comes in handy for teas, cocktails and mocktails. You’ll love this one in your bar for those festive drinks this holiday season.

Baked goods – Give them the sweetness, color and flavor they deserve. Your holiday tart will be extra this year, make the filling a super star.

Pancakes or waffles anyone? It is a syrup after all. You can also use to sweeten your breakfast porridge / oatmeal.

Desserts– Frozen or warm, a drizzle of this hibiscus simple syrup has a place.

Gift Ideas – This will be a gift that fits the season. Something they will for sure use.

Once prepared, we keep this is the refrigerator for up to a month. As always, use your eyes and sense of smell to ensure its still good to go the longer it stays in the fridge. When you make this, enjoy it with this drink