Pomegranate Rooibos Roselle Drink
In the mood for a refreshing drink? Try this Pomegranate Rooibos Roselle Drink - a beautiful combination of sweetness, tartness, earthiness, and complexity of flavours in a vibrant dark-red hue. The pairing of rooibos tea and roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) was inspired by Bryant Terry’s Roselle-Rooibos Drink in Afro-Vegan: Farm-Fresh African, Caribbean, and Southern Flavors Remixed. Pomegranate is the perfect complement to the rooibos-roselle pairing. This sweet, tart, aromatic, exotic drink is not only delicious and refreshing but is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Pomegranate, rooibos, and roselle all have antioxidant components, and are reputed to have potential health benefits.
Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols. These polyphenols are powerful antioxidants. Pomegranates are rich in vitamins C and K, and in folate and potassium. They also contain vitamins E and B6, and pantothenic acid. Research studies indicate that pomegranates boost heart health, have anti-inflammatory effects, and may have cancer-reducing abilities.
Rooibos tea consists of the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub, a plant native to South Africa. Rooibos tea is caffeine-free, low in tannins, and rich in antioxidants. Because of the high level of antioxidants, rooibos tea may have potential health benefits, including boosting heart health and improving cholesterol levels, amongst others.
Roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) is another rich source of powerful antioxidants. Research studies have shown that hibiscus tea (using hibiscus sabdariffa) may lower blood pressure. It may help lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides but this needs further research studies due to conflicting results. There are other potential health benefits but they need further investigation.
Caution: Please note that roselle is contra-indicated in cases where one might be pregnant, breastfeeding, suffering from low blood pressure, taking medication to control one’s diabetes, using high blood pressure medication, or expecting to undergo surgery in the near future.
Pomegranate Rooibos Roselle Drink
Makes around 1.75 L
Ingredients
1.5 L hot, boiling water
3 tea bags rooibos tea
2 heaped tablespoons chopped hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) flowers
juice and pulp of 2 large pomegranates
2 tablespoons (or more) coconut sugar or the sweetener of your choice
Method
To a 2-litre heat-safe glass jar, large teapot, or saucepan, add the rooibos tea bags and hibiscus sabdariffa (roselle) flowers. Into the container, pour 1.5 litres of hot, boiling water. Cover loosely and let steep until the liquid cools to room temperature.
Meanwhile, deseed the pomegranates. Place the pomegranate arils (and any pomegranate juice collected during the deseeding process) into a blender. Pulse the arils a couple of times just to break them apart and release their juice. Pour this pulp and juice mixture into a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
When the rooibos-roselle tea has cooled down to room temperature, pass it through a fine-mesh sieve and collect the tea in a 2-litre glass jar. Using the back of a spoon, press on the solids to extract any remaining liquid. Remove the rooibos tea bags. Place the rehydrated roselle flowers in a small airtight container and store in the freezer for future use (e.g. in baking or cooking).
To the rooibos-roselle tea, add the pomegranate pulp and juice mixture. Add coconut sugar or the sweetener of your choice. Sweeten according to taste. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours or overnight.
The next day, pass the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve and collect the liquid in a 2-litre glass jar. Press on the solids to extract the maximum liquid. The pomegranate pulp residue can be reserved for future use (in kombucha, infused water, or fruit kvass, for example).
Taste the liquid. Add more sweetener if desired.
Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Interested in making ice pops with the Pomegranate Rooibos Roselle Drink? See Pomegranate Rooibos Roselle Paletas.
