How do you make hibiscus tea?

[msmia]

I've had "fresh" hibiscus tea before.... Do you just pick the flowers & mash them up? Must you dry them first? Is it the whole flower of just the petals? Anybody know how to make hibiscus tea from your own plant?
Maria

[Lay-Lay]

Hibiscus Tea

1 cup dried hibiscus blossoms
1 1-inch cinnamon stick
ice cubes
1/3 cup of Stevia, honey, or other natural sweetner
3 quarts of water (warm up in vitamix 2 or 3 minutes

Add the hibiscus blossoms and cinnamon stick. Cover let sit for 15 minutes.
Line a strainer with a double thickness of cheesecloth. Pour tea through prepared strainer into a large thermos or pitcher. Discard solids in the strainer. Pour tea, into ice-filled glasses if desired.

[msmia]

Thanks!!
So I should pick my flowers and dehydrate them until I have enough for making tea? Can I enjoy the flower throughout the day & pick it in the evening or is it better to pick it early? It seems a shame to not let the beuatiful hibiscus flower be seen all day.... :D

[Lay-Lay]

Evening is fine for picking. and yes either dry in the sun or dehydrate.