Mikk's Messages Post 8 - Hibiscus Tea (A GREAT source of Electrolytes)

Recipe of the Week – Hibiscus Tea

½ lb Hibiscus Flower (dried)
5 qt. plus 1 c. Filtered Water
2 ½ lbs. Granulated Sugar

Simple Syrup:
In a pot heat 1 qt. and 1 c. of water plus the sugar to a boil. Once boiling remove from heat and set aside.
Tea:
In another pot bring remaining water and flowers to a boil and continue to cook for 20 minutes. Strain tea and add simple syrup until tea is sweetened to your liking. Then chill with ice and serve.
Save rest of simple syrup for next use.

Makes 1 gallon of tea.

In Season Fruits

Apples, Blood Oranges, Pineapple, Tangerines, Oranges, Pears, Kumquats and Clementine are great choices for fruit this week. Cantaloupe quality is fair at the moment with prices have eased. Honeydew stocks have leveled off despite harvesting transition. Strawberries supplies are steady out of California but quality will be affected with all the recent rains. Raspberry supplies are beginning to become more adequate, but blackberries and blueberries are struggling. Transition into Florida has begun but supplies are limited. Oranges are still doing great out of California, Florida and Texas. Color is deep orange and flavor is sweet. Apple market is rising even with steady supplies in storage.

In Season Vegetables

Squash, Rosso Bruno Tomatoes, Kale, Mixed Baby Mustard, Wild Spring Onions, Spring Garlic, Celery Root, Fava Bean, English Peas, Lettuce (Baby Greens), Rutabagas and Parsnips are just some of the great choices this week. All peppers are holding well right now with sufficient stocks in all areas. Tomato supplies are still tight in Florida and Mexico with Rosso Brunno being the best alternative. Supplies should increase over the next week or so. Lettuce supplies out of AZ and California are still holding steady. Quality is good with prices staying low. Broccoli and Cauliflower are starting to climb with the Yuma season winding down. Growers will transition pretty soon back to Salinas, California. Quality still remains good. Romanesco supplies show a strong improvement over the last few weeks.

Happy Spring!

Chef Kevin Mikkelson in the El Tour de Tucson.

I’m an avid bike rider and particpate in different long distance bike races around Arizona as well as the El Tour de Tucson every year. I know the importance of staying healthy and hydrated in our Arizona heat.
Many people do not know that Hibiscus is a natural source of electrolytes. Hibiscus Tea is a drink we often make here at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa particularly during the hot summer months.
If you are looking for a natural source of electrolyte replacement, consider drinking Hibiscus tea. Enjoy it sweetened or unsweetened.
As the weather warms up, remember to stay cool and stay hydrated.
Chef Kevin.