On my list of lesser aphrodisiacs is the Hibiscus flower. Why a lesser aphrodisiac? It doesn’t get counted among the big power houses like chocolate or oysters and is hardly, if ever, mentioned at all. There aren’t many properties of the plant that also match with the usual classifications of aphrodisiacs other than how it works with the blood. Increase of blood flow would ultimately promote better sexual wellness. There are some serious medical aspects of the plant which are used in several parts of the world to treat many illnesses.***
The flowers and leaves are used to make teas and extracts which can help treat illnesses or conditions such as high blood pressure, fever, constipation, liver disease, cancer, bacterial infections, and may also be a weight loss aid. Studies are currently inconclusive on several of these topics and more research has to be done in order for it to become more widely accepted as medical treatment.
It is used in a variety of countries to also treat heart disease related issues. It has been said to lower levels of sugar and fat in the blood making it a useful treatment for people with diabetes. It has also been known to help with stomach, intestinal and uterine cramps as well as swelling and inflammation. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should be cautious and speak to their primary medical care professional as hibiscus could possible be unsafe for them as well as people who have liver or kidney disease. It can also be an irritate the stomach lining and discontinued use is recommended should you feel any pain.
Now that we are done with the medicinal parts, let get to the culinary magic. The Hibiscus is beautiful to observe with large inviting blossoms that come in a variety of colors. They elicit feelings of joy, sexyness and summers on the beach. They’re gentle swaying from a soft breeze remind me of simple sunny days spent in a hammock. The Hibiscus gives me ALL the feels!
As teas or extracts from the leaves concentrate on working with the blood, I have dubbed it an aphrodisiac, other folks consider it one too! It has magical associations with love and romance, so the ties make perfect sense. When looking at the blooms you can’t help but notice how sensual the plant is, making it not only pleasing to the eye, but suggestive, which send signals of arousal to the brain and sex organs. The blooms are usually found dried at your grocery store or online. The tea is easily made by pouring boiling water over the dried leaves and steeping until cool. It is known to be very tart so feel free to drink it as is, or with a sweetener ( sugar, honey or your favorite sugar substitute)
The deep magenta color mixed with the floral aroma is intoxicating, delighting the eyes with its richness and arousing the olfactory senses. should you add fresh ginger during steeping, it really kicks things up a notch higher in the seduction department.
The tea can be consumed as is or over ice for a delicious treat on a hot day. It can be the base of a sexy cocktail as well as used in baking and savory applications. I have never made a savory dish with it until recently and wanted to share a simple yet sexy recipe for a quick dinner that aims to please, perfect for Valentine’s day or a hot date night!
***(Disclaimer : I am not a medical professional and cannot say whether this plant will help in treating any of your illnesses. Always speak to your health care professional before taking any supplements or treating illnesses with plants/herbs. They could have adverse effects on you or any medication you may be taking) ***
Recipes
Hibiscus Tea
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Steeping2 hrs
Total Time2 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 6
- 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 6 cups water
- 1 inch ginger peeled (optional)
- Sugar or honey to taste
Bring water to a boil then add the dried flowers. Turn off the flame and let steep for 2-4 hours until completely cooled. Strain out flowers and reserve for cooking or discard.
Serve.
Hibiscus Margarita
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Servings: 1
Author: Andrea Maldonado
- 2 oz hibiscus tea
- 1 oz tequila silver
- 1-2 Tbsp simple syrup more if you like it sweeter
- 1 oz triple sec
- ½ juiced lime
Hibiscus Quesadillas
if you are making this without the margarita or the tea, just steep 1/2 cup of dried hibiscus with 4 cups of boiling water. Let cool and use the softened flowers for your dish.
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 2
Author: Andrea Maldonado
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup reserved softened, hibiscus flowers
- ¼ cup diced red onions
- 3 Tbsp diced green peppers
- 3 cloves of garlic
- ¼ tsp cumin
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper more if you like it spicy
- ¼ tsp salt more if needed
- ¼ tsp black pepper more if needed
- 1 Tbsp of cilantro rough chopped
- 2 10-12 inch flour tortillas
- 8 thin slices of queso fresco I used La morenita brand
- 1 ripe avocado divided
- 1 Tbsp sour cream divided
In a medium sized skillet, heat oil on medium high. Saute onions and bell peppers until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about thirty seconds, dont let it burn! Add the reserved flowers and saute until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Season with cumin, cayenne, salt and pepper. Add Chopped cilantro and remove from the heat.
Grease a large skillet with cooking spray and set to medium heat. Lay a tortilla down and on one half, add 2 slices of cheese. Top with Hibiscus mixture and 2 more slices of cheese. Fold empty half over and cook until cheese is melted and tortilla has browned and is crisp! ( lower the heat if needed to let the cheese melt)
Remove from the pan and cut into 2 or four pieces. Repeat with the other tortilla and serve with lime wedges, avocados, and sour cream.
Food Magic : Hibiscus is used for love magic and an aphrodisiac, so incorporating it into a dinner feast or cocktail emphasizes the hint you’re trying to drop. The alcohol in the margarita is considered and aphrodisiac, as well as the onion, garlic, cumin, cayenne, cilantro and avocados. Pairing these items together scream sexy!
Made any of these recipes? use #foodmagic and also tag me on instagram @gourmetwitch so I can see your magical creations!
