This super drink Zobo, is very tasty, colourful and highly medicinal. This plant is believed to have originated from the West Africa before spreading to other parts of the the world and different people uses the roselle (hibiscus sabdariffa) for different purposes.
Zobo is an annual or perennial herb that is botanically known as Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa). The drink is known as zobo or zoborodo drink by Nigerians and in some west African countries (Ghana) is it know as Sobolo Drink. Also other parts of the world have different names (like bissap) for this drink, kindly comment below and let us know what it is called in your part of the plant
Different countries call this plant by different names such as; rosela by Indonesians, sobolo by Ghananians, zoborodo by Nigerians, Telugu people call it Gongura, roselle is called belchanda in Nepal, 洛神花 (Luo Shen Hua) in Chinese, Chukor in Bengali, Pulicha Keerai in Tamil, krajiab priaw in Thailand, bissap in Senegalese, wonjo by Gambians, karkanji by Chads, foléré by Cameroonians, sorrel by the Caribbeans and quiabo-roxo by Brazilians.
The Hibiscus sabdariffa fruit takes approximately six months to mature and the fruits can be infused for medicinal purposes or prepared for drinks. Some studies reveal that the roselle fruit has a characteristics medicinal properties, which makes it viable for treating loss of appetite and fever. Due to its diuretic properties, rosells can also be used for treating kidney diseases. It’s anti-hypertensive properties make this plant very ideal for reducing high blood pressure. Roselle drink is an excellent source of iron, riboflavin, flavonoid, vitamin C, niacin, calcium, glycosides, carotene and water-soluble antioxidants.
The zobo drink is very natural and contains more nutrients than those made with artificial ingredients and preservatives hence nutritionists recommend people to stick to natural drinks of which zobo drink is part of. Nutritionists reveal that taking at least a glass of zobo drink after eating food is capable of reducing the absorption of dietary carbohydrates thereby maintaining a healthy body weight.
Before preparing the sorrel drink, I usually peel the pineapple and slice it into tiny bits. Although some people use the pineapple peels during preparation but I have doubts if the peels will be thoroughly clean enough for use. The zobo drink is one of the easiest drink to prepare as all you need is to wash the zobo leaves, add in a cooking pot, add the peeled pineapples and garlic and the drink is just as good as ready. So I bet you will enjoy this drink if you give it a try.
Ingredients:
1) Zobo leaves
2) Sugar(Optional)
3) Pineapples and cucumbers
4) Ginger
5) Any flavour of your choice
Method
1) Set your big pot on fire and pour enough quantity of water.
2) Wash your zobo leaves in a cold water to remove dirt (don’t leave it in the water for long, just put it in the water and quickly use your hand to shake it and remove it from the water).
3) Pour the zobo leaves in your pot. Add your sliced pineapple, ginger, sliced cucumbers and cover it till it has boiled very well and the water has changed to a red wine colour.
4) Remove the pot from the fire and separate the zobo liquid from the leaves. put the zobo liquid aside cover it and leave it to cool.
5) After it has cooled, add your sugar and flavour in the desired quantity but don’t let the sugar and flavour to be too much in the zobo.
6) Package it in your bottles and put in it the fridge.
Serve chilled 🍹
Note: You should wash and peel the back of the pineapple if you want but if you don’t want you can just wash the back very well, sliced it , and add it to the zobo like that ( it depends on how you want it).
Making of zobo for selling is very lucrative because people like it very well and some prefer It to other drinks. You may decide to start your own zobo business you can sell it together with either doughnuts, chin chin, mini cakes etc and make your money.
All you need is to learn how to do it very well and how to market it. If your zobo is sweet and tastes better than that of others it will stand out and before you know it people will begin to patronize you.