Roselle, Apple and Raisin Honey Tea

Why people make this tea

Fresh roselle — those brilliant deep-red calyces that look almost too beautiful to cook — brings both colour and function to this simple tea. Bro Niu’s favourite combination is straightforward: roselle, fresh apple, raisins and a drizzle of honey. The result is a tea with a vivid ruby colour, a pleasant fruity tartness, and a long tradition of uses in Chinese food medicine — from supporting healthy blood lipids and blood pressure to improving the appearance of the skin with regular use. Dried roselle works equally well when fresh is not available, and is readily found at Chinese or Asian grocers, or online.

The science behind roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) has attracted considerable modern research attention, particularly around anthocyanins and organic acids that may support cardiovascular health. Bro Niu doesn’t need the science to validate what generations of families already knew — but it is reassuring that the two bodies of knowledge point in the same direction.

Who it suits / who should be cautious

• Suitable for most adults, older children, and the elderly
• Particularly helpful for people who feel fatigued, have a dull or uneven complexion, poor appetite, or the effects of overindulgence (including alcohol)
• Traditionally noted to support menstrual regularity in women
• Roselle is sour and cooling in nature; adding honey moderates this, but people with very cold constitutions should not drink this too frequently
• Pregnant women should not drink this tea — roselle is traditionally contraindicated in pregnancy
• Use a ceramic, enamel or glass pot for cooking, not reactive metals, as roselle’s acid content can interact with the pot

Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)

• Roselle (luo shen hua / 洛神花): Rich in anthocyanins, vitamin C and organic acids. In Chinese food medicine, it is associated with clearing internal heat, supporting liver function, aiding digestion, and improving the complexion. Regular consumption is linked to a fresher skin colour. As Bro Niu explains: although roselle tastes very sour, once metabolised in the body it actually produces an alkalising effect — making it useful for counterbalancing an overly acidic diet (the typical result of eating too much meat and refined food).
• Apple: Supports digestion gently; adds natural sweetness to balance roselle’s tartness. Provides pectin, which is beneficial for gut health.
• Raisins: A concentrated source of natural iron and antioxidants; adds body and sweetness to the tea.
• Honey: A natural humectant; soothes the digestive lining and moderates the cooling nature of roselle.

Ingredients (2 cups)

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Dried roselle calyces	5 pieces (dried) or 4 fresh	Use enamel/glass pot
Apple	1 medium	Peeled, cored, diced
Raisins	1 small handful (~20 g)
Honey	To taste	Add after cooking, not during
Water	2.5 bowls

Method

1. Peel, core and dice the apple.
2. Place roselle, apple and raisins in a pot (enamel, clay or glass). Add water.
3. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and allow to rest for a few minutes.
5. Stir in honey to taste — add it after cooking, not while the liquid is boiling, to preserve its beneficial properties.
6. Serve warm or at room temperature. Eat the apple and raisins along with the tea.

Bro Niu’s tips

This tea can also be made with dried roselle if fresh is not available — dried works perfectly well. If you enjoy it regularly, Bro Niu notes that within a few weeks you may notice a fresher, more even skin tone. Daily use is fine for most people; pregnant women should skip this tea entirely. Store unused cooked tea in the refrigerator (up to 2 days) and reheat gently.

Community questions answered (selected)

• Q (贝贝妈): You mentioned “adjusting the body’s acid-alkaline balance.” What does that mean? Is this tea acidic or alkaline? Bro Niu: Our blood should be slightly alkaline. When we eat too much meat, the body tends toward acidity, which can make us more prone to illness. Although roselle, lemon and hawthorn taste very sour, they produce an alkalising effect inside the body after digestion — so they actually help restore balance. Most city-dwellers’ bodies lean toward acidity, which is why eating more vegetables, fruits and herbal teas like this one is a good habit.

• Q (ib): Is it safe to drink rose flower tea every day as a regular drink? Bro Niu: Drinking rose (mei gui hua) tea daily is fine — it’s a very gentle flower tea. However, if you are pregnant, you should avoid all flower teas.

• Q (WW): Can I use dried roselle from the supermarket? Bro Niu: Yes, dried roselle works perfectly well for this tea — no problem at all.

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Published November 19, 2012 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 4 min read.