Jamaica Flower Concentrate

Concentrado de Jamaica

Makes about 5 cups Preparation Time: 5 minutes, plus steeping time Cooking Time: 10 minutes Can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 month

The most traditional way to use Jamaica flowers is to make a concentrate and use it as the base for an agua fresca. But don’t stop there. You can use it in myriad other ways: Consider it an exotic flavoring for Jell-O or ice pops, reduce it to a syrup to drizzle over cheesecake or brownies, or use as a marinade for a modern spin on tacos, as in my Steak Tacos with Jamaica-Jalapeño Sauce.

• 8 cups water
• 6 ounces (about 2 cups) Jamaica (hibiscus) flowers (see the sidebar)
• 1½ cups sugar, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, or to taste

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the Jamaica flowers, reduce the heat to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let steep for at least 10 minutes.
2. Strain the liquid into a heatproof jar or container. Add the sugar and lime juice and stir well to dissolve the sugar. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate.