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sandykayak

Jul 28, 2003, 2:57 PM

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Jamaica juice?

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A Miami friend who lived in Cuernavaca introduced me to Jamaica juice. I know she pronounced it "ha -my -kah" but am not sure how it is spelled in Spanish.

I was able to buy some in the Ajijic Tianguis (some = two kilos!!) and am assuming that bringing in dried "tea" leaves was not an infraction. (If it was, I don't want to know!!)

For those who haven't tried it, the closest thing I can think of is that it tastes and looks like cranberry juice. I think it shares cranberries' "reputation/claim" to be good for the kidneys as I got up to pee four times. Must remember to take early in the day!!

I'm winging it with quantities - a small handful for a jug full. I've had it hot as an "herb" tea and it's delicious as a cold drink. I've also frozen it and eaten like a popsicle.

I know it's a hibiscus flower. Can anyone provide any info ref the type of hibiscus and any other tips?
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

Bubba

Jul 28, 2003, 5:13 PM

Post #2 of 7 (1261 views)

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Re: [sandykayak] Jamaica juice?

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The best "jamaica Juice" to be found locally is a dark rum of superior quality with which one may make Mai Tais. The other stuff is a hibiscus flower tea that the locals traditionally made into a brew used as a remedy for Hydrangitis Maximus, a horribly disfiguring disease which turned young girls into doughty ancient looking piano teachers.

jennifer rose

Jul 28, 2003, 7:32 PM

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Re: [sandykayak] Jamaica juice?

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Karen Hursch Graber's recipe for agua de jamaica can be found at http://www.mexconnected.com/.../kgaguasjamiaca.html

Guapo Gabacho

Jul 28, 2003, 7:47 PM

Post #4 of 7 (1240 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Jamaica juice?

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J.R.,

I make it all the time, but I sure don't use anywhere near the recipe’s 2 cups of flowers to 8 cups of water. Wouldn't that stain your teeth?

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.

sandykayak

Jul 29, 2003, 7:30 AM

Post #5 of 7 (1231 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Jamaica juice?

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thanks for the recipe JR, didn't know i was supposed to rinse first!!!
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque

Lavanda

Aug 10, 2003, 4:03 PM

Post #6 of 7 (1189 views)

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Re: [sandykayak] Jamaica juice?

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It is called hibiscus, but actually is a cultivar of sorrel which originated inthe Caribbean islands. Very high in vitamin C.

Sometimes at parties, the grownups add some vino tinto (red wine) to their glass of jamaica.

sandykayak

Aug 10, 2003, 4:56 PM

Post #7 of 7 (1184 views)

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Re: [Lavanda] Jamaica juice?

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thanks for the info....actually, i was planning to add some rum!!!
Sandy Kramer
Miami, Fla & El Parque