Zobo drink (Hibiscus drink) as popularly called in Nigeria is refreshing, tasty and insanely easy to make.
The weather is getting warmer and better by the day and I really wish it stays this way. Lawd! I can’t deal with the cold weather. Last weekend, the weather was very fair to us here in the UK. I decided to grace it by making a very popular drink I grew up having back in Nigeria, Zobo.
Nigerian Zobo Drink
Zobo is a dried type of leaf and it is also called hibiscus leaf or sorrel flower (roselle plant). It can be easily sourced from the market. Zobo drink is very refreshing and medicinal too. I also know another type of hibiscus leaf called Ishapa used to cook egusi soup. My late grandmother made it for us severally, while growing up. Bless her soul! She was a wonderful cook and I miss her cooking a lot. I am not sure if ishapa is still very handy as it was back then. Meanwhile, Zobo, on the other hand, is very much available and affordable too.
This is meant to be a very short post, so let me stop rambling now. If you would like to learn more about Zobo leaves check this article here: you will be surprised at how mighty this colourful flower is. The health benefit of drinking Zobo is a lot. Some studies showed it may even help with weight loss and reduce hypertension.
Ingredients
Zobo leaves
Pineapple
Orange
Cloves
Ginger
Sugar to taste, optional
Coldwater (tap or room temperature water)
Health Benefit of Zobo leaves (Hibiscus drink)
Study has shown that when you incorporate hibiscus drink or hibiscus tea into your diet, it can help with the following.
- Reduces blood pressure
- Aid weight loss
- Help treats cold
- It boosts the immune system
- It improves brain function... Just to mention a few
Please note: hibiscus tea or drink is not safe for pregnant and nursing mothers.
How to make Zobo drink
Rinse zobo leaves to get rid of dirt/debris.
Place zobo leaves and all other ingredients excluding the sugar into a pan and bring to boil with 4 cups of water for 15minutes. If you will be adding sugar or any other sweetener, add it to the mixture while it is still hot and mix together to combine.
Leave zobo to steep for about 2-4 hours depending on how much time you have got
Strain the content through the tiniest sieve you have to get rid of any settlements
Leave zobo to cool and serve chilled or with ice. Garnish with lemon or lime. Enjoy x
Other Nigerian Recipes You Should Try With This Drink
or with the delicious coconut shortbread pictured in this post.
Zobo Drink (Hibiscus Drink)
Ingredients
- 50 g dried Zobo leaves
- 1 pineapple cut into chunks
- 1 orange cut into segments
- 6 pieces of cloves substitute with the 1 tbsp ground cloves (kanafuru)
- Ginger 2-3 sugar cube sizes
- Sugar to taste optional
Instructions
- Rinse zobo leaves clean to get rid of dirt.
- Place zobo leaves and all other ingredients excluding the sugar into a pan and bring to boil for 15minutes. If you will be adding sugar or any other sweetener to the zobo, do it while the mixture is still hot.
- Leave zobo to steep for about 2-4 hours depending on how much time you have got.
- Strain the content through the tiniest sieve you have to get rid of any settlements
- Leave zobo to cool and serve chilled or with ice. Garnish with lemon or lime
I would like to know how you got on if you tried this recipe, tag me on Instagram or #myactivekitchen. You can also save this recipe to your Pinterest! See you on my next post
Cool drink for d weather
Yes dear plus it is healthy too.
Nice one joke
thanks dear, hope you are good?