Country of Origin: Sudan
Grade: First Grade
Altitude: Up to 500 ft.
Manufacture
Type: Traditional, Sundried
Cup Characteristics: A lovely deep red infusion similar to pomegranate but with a ‘pucker power’ taste
similar to lemonade. Hibiscus is tangy and full of natural Vitamin C.
Infusion: Bright burgundy red.
Ingredients:
Luxury organic hibiscus
Organic Credentials: Certified Organic by QMI Organic Inc. Certificate #: 150 - 2008
Information:
It may surprise you to learn
that the people of Khartoum, in fact most people in the Sudan (Khartoum is the capital of that country) are among the most
hospitable anywhere on Earth. Unfortunately, the Sudanese political climate makes securing a tourist visa a long and arduous
affair. The many hours spent in lineups, talking to officials and opening your wallet mean that incredibly few tourists ever
get into the country. The lucky, or should we say hardy few, who make it in, describe a land spread out over desserts,
forests and mountains populated by an incredibly friendly people. The country is vast. Sudan is the largest country in Africa,
the world’s largest Arab country and the 10th largest country overall in the world. No matter which corner you venture
into, the inevitable invitation to visit the homes of the Sudanese mean that you will be sitting down to a piping hot cup
of caffeine-free Karkadeyh (red), a delicious tea made of dried hibiscus.
Hibiscus
has long been grown as a minor cash crop in the Sudan. The flower is resistant to drought, easy to grow and as such provides
an income for many Sudanese women who tend small plots to supplement their family income. By the end of the 20th century,
finished hibiscus production topped more than 23,000 tons annually. That’s a whole lot of Karkadeyh. Because
the crop is so hardy, (like Sudanese tourists!), it grows very well organically. The flowers are harvested, dried and then
transported to the markets of Khartoum, where it is packed and marketed for export.
We’re
very pleased to offer this special product from the farmlands of Sudan. Excellent either as a blending component in custom
herbals or brewed on its own, this organic hibiscus is among the finest available in the world. As a stand-alone tea, the
taste is sweet, honey-ish and incredibly fresh. Blended in with other herbals, green or black teas, hibiscus imparts an added
layer of tart astringency and floral character. We recommend experimenting. Enjoy!
Hot
tea brewing method: Bring
freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of tea for each cup into a teapot. Fill with boiled water. Cover
and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer it steeps the stronger the tea).
Iced
tea-brewing method: (to
make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of tea into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water
over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher
straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste. [A rule of thumb when
preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to double the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold
water].
