Zobo Drink

As a typical Nigerian, I made A LOT of Zobo growing up. I personally loved my zobo to be thick, gingery and sweet. I think that’s the best kind of Zobo. Some prefer the drink to be watery, and have a more noticeable pineapple flavor and that’s the beauty of this drink, it is so easily customizable. However, I hope you enjoy this zobo recipe just as much as I do.

What is Zobo?

Zobo, also known in some places as sorrel drink or hibiscus tea, is a drink that originates from Northern Nigeria and is made in a lot of African states. It’s typically made with dried hibiscus leaves, pineapple bark, sugar, ginger and cloves. It is always served cold and enjoyed all year round in Nigeria. It is perfect to ‘step down’ after a long day especially in the hot weather.

How to make Zobo

The traditional zobo is made with just five ingredients- dried hibiscus leaves, pineapple bark, sugar, ginger and cloves. However, a lot of people have tried to make this drink healthier by substituting sugar for dates, adding apples or oranges to give the drink a more fruity taste and adding spices to give it an even bigger kick.

Ingredients for Zobo

These are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. You’ll also need some water as well.

• Dried Hibiscus Leaves: You can get any kind of dried hibiscus leaves for this or you can make your own at home if you have the flowers by just dehydrating them.
• Pineapple: The riper your pineapple, the better
• Ginger: For that signature kick we all know and love with zobo.
• Cloves: Optional but I love the aroma it can give the drink as well as the added health benefits
• Sugar: I love using sugar because I don’t mind it but you can use any sweetener of your choice, from honey, maple syrup to even agave.

Tips and Variations

Make it healthier

Substitute the sugar for dates or honey and add more fruit or vegetable juice to make it healthier. Common fruits used are oranges, pineapples, apples and watermelon. You can also add some cucumbers and I’m sure you could sneak in some green juice and you won’t even be able to taste it.

Thick or Watery

I love thick Zobo but you could have it watery as well. To enhance the thickness of the drink and give the hibiscus leaves depth, boil it for longer. The longer you boil the leaves, the more prominent the flavor of the hibiscus. I boil mine for no less than 2 hours. You can boil yours for 20-30 minutes if you want it to be watery. Also ensure to crumble your leaves into smaller pieces if you want more depth of hibiscus flavor.

Extra Tips

• Grate your ginger or chop it extra fine to make get the most out of it.
• Do not boil any of the fruits you wish to use with the hibiscus leaves. This is because the leaves will soak most of the flavor. Also, fruit nutrients reduces with prolonged heat.

FAQs

1. Is zobo healthy? Yes, it is. The only not so healthy part of Zobo is the sugar. But if you substitute the sugar for some honey or dates, it will make this drink healthier. Hibiscus is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Can I make zobo at home? Of course! Making this drink at home is easy and fun. All you need are dried hibiscus flowers, water, pineapple and your choice of spices and sweeteners.
3. What other spices can I add to zobo? Common spices used include ginger and cloves. But you can add other spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, peppercorns, etc. These spices can enhance the flavor and add depth to the drink.
4. How long does zobo last? When stored in the refrigerator, it can last for over a week, and a couple of months in the freezer. Although it is best enjoyed fresh within a week of making it/
5. Is Zobo drink Vegan? Yes and Yes!
6. How to serve? Always serve cold. Serving watery zobo over ice can be challenging because the ice can water down the drink. So, in that case, I would recommend putting it in the fridge to cool. On the other hand, if it is thick, you can get away with serving it over ice.
7. Can I reuse the leaves? Yes, people reuse the leaves to make another batch. Just note that the flavor will be a little less prominent as you reuse.
8. Does Zobo drink help with weight loss? In some ways, it can. The hibiscus leaves have appetite-suppressing effects that could lead you to eating less, thus helping you lose weight. Some studies also suggest that compounds found in hibiscus leaves may help boost metabolism and promote fat burning. But typically, the drink by itself will not help you lose weight drastically without some lifestyle changes.

Zobo recipe

Recipe by A Thing of FoodsCourse: DrinksCuisine: Nigerian, AfricanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

10-14

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

2

hours 

15

minutes

Calories

230

kcal

Carbs

19g

Protein

1g

Fats

0g

Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

This recipe makes about 5-7 full 750mL bottle depending on how thick you decide to make it. You can double or triple the recipe for a bigger batch and half it for a smaller batch.

Ingredients

• 8-10 cups of Dried Hibiscus Leaves

• 1 large Pineapple

• 5 large pieces of fresh Ginger

• 1 tablespoon of Cloves

• 1-3 cups of Sugar (or as desired)

• 10 Liters of water (more or less)

Directions

• Peel the pineapple, separating the bark from the flesh. Make sure the pineapple back is thoroughly rinsed.
• Rinse your zobo leaves for 30 seconds under running water to remove the any particles that may have clung to it. Do not rinse for too long to avoid rinsing the flavor of the leaves out.
• In a large pot, combine the dried hibiscus flowers, water, ginger (chopped or grated), pineapple bark and cloves. Then bring to a boil.
• Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for as long as you want. I leave mine for about two hours. You can top off with water during this process as needed.
• While simmering, you can go ahead and juice the pineapple flesh you have saved earlier. You can either use a juicer or blend it and pass the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cloth. You can also juice other fruits you wish to use in this step.
• Remove the pot from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature..
• Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean bowl or pitcher. You can discard the used leaves and bark or reuse them.
• Add sugar, half cup at a time to get your desired level of sweetness. I love mine sweet so I add a little shy of 2 cups of sugar.
• Add the pineapple juice into the mixture and serve chilled.

Zobo and Pregnancy Concerns

1. Can I drink Zobo while pregnant? I personally would avoid Zobo drink while pregnant as there have been some reports of the drink being potentially harmful to the baby. However, others have concluded that taking the drink in small quantities should be fine. I would advise you to consult with your doctor.
2. Does Zobo drink cause miscarriage? There is limited scientific evidence to back up this claim. However, some studies have raised concerns about the potential risks of consuming large amounts of hibiscus during pregnancy due to its uterine stimulant properties. Traditional medicine also advises against it but all in all, the advise of a medical professional is recommended for your own specific circumstance.

Why Zobo?

Because it’s delicious. This drink will always be a staple in several households all around the world including mine and I hope you try it out.

Health Benefits of Zobo

1. Rich in Antioxidants

The drink is made of hibiscus leaves which is packed with antioxidants like anthocyanins which can help to neutralize free radicals in the body. This can help lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

2. Supports Cardiovascular Health

Studies have shown that zobo can help lower blood pressure. Regular consumption of hibiscus tea has been linked to a reduction in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, making it beneficial for individuals with hypertension.

3. Aids in Weight Management

Hibiscus leaves has diuretic properties that help eliminate excess water and toxins from the body.

4. Improves Liver Health

The antioxidants in hibiscus tea help protect the liver by reducing liver inflammation and preventing liver damage. It helps in detoxifying the liver and enhancing its overall function.

5. Lowers Cholesterol Levels

Hibiscus tea has been found to help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides, while potentially increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

6. Boosts Immune System

Rich in vitamin C and other essential nutrients, hibiscus tea can boost the immune system, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses more effectively.

8. Improves Digestion

Hibiscus tea can promote better digestion by enhancing bowel movement and preventing constipation. It also helps maintain a healthy gut flora.

9. Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

Some studies suggest that hibiscus tea may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.