One more question: Have you kissed a hibiscus flower? I did yesterday, in appreciation. What a pleasure to have this dazzling plant growing in my yard. In light of my musings, I kissed the hibiscus not because of its useful values, which seem to be extensive, but because of its nature. It is what it is and can be appreciated on many levels. Even on the most obvious one — its delicate beauty.

What does hibiscus mean? http://www.flower-meaning.info/hibiscus.php

©2011 Ferida Wolff for SeniorWomen.com

Editor's Note: We once brought back hibiscus petals from Egypt and made hibiscus tea from a recipe not unlike that of TourEgypt's website for Karkady or Hibiscus tea. Note that we have found recipes that added 2 cinnamon sticks, lemon and orange.

Karkady is one of the most popular and unusual drinks that you can find in Egypt. Made from the dried, dark red petals of the Hibiscus flower.  It is served in many of the popular cafe's throughout Egypt. The best Karkady comes from Upper Egypt. Be sure to bring home a bag of dried petals from Aswan or Luxor.

1 cup hibiscus petals (sources can be found online)

2 cups sugar

Pick over the dried petals, removing any stems or leaves.  Soak the hibiscus petals in cold water to cover for 1-2 hours. Transfer the petals and water to a pot and bring to a boil. Remove the pot immediately and strain the liquid through filter paper.

Return the petals to the pot, add fresh cold water to cover, and repeat as above. Repeat the process until the karkady loses its reddish hue. Then discard the petals and sweeten the juice while it is still hot. Serve cold, although it is a pleasant drink when served warm in the wintertime.

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