Karkadé

Karkadé is a popular drink (juice or tea) across Egypt made from hibiscus flower petals. Karkadeeh / كركديه (kar-ka-day) is an herbal plant that belongs to the hibiscus family, has green reddish branches and flowers with a dark red colour. Loved by Egyptians and often served to tourists when they are greeted at hotels as a “welcome to Egypt” gesture (a non-alcoholic Egyptian wine as some would call it).

It is believed that this drink was consumed traditionally by the Pharaohs in Ancient Egypt.

Karkadé is also made around the world but called different names. This drink looks like cranberry juice in terms of colour and tartness, but it is not sour. It brings down the blood pressure when  served cold and push it up when served hot! Whether it’s an Egyptian myth or a scientific fact; it’s one of the most common drinks all around Egypt especially in the month of Ramadan! Who knows, could be just a habit that is inherited from Pharaohs who had a refreshing cup of Karkadé after a day in the hot desert heat!

Hibiscus tea is known for being an excellent hydrator that is naturally high in vitamin C.

Karkadé was mentioned in the ancient medical document the Ebers Papyrus (1550 BC) for its medicinal properties.

Egyptians usually add a lot of sugar to karkadé. You still can instead use sweetener, or better honey since it is healthy and doesn’t alter the flavour much. A good thing is karkadé can always -easily- be watered down if it's too sweet for you.

Let’s take this a step further, Make your own Karkade! 
Here is the recipe