How To Make Zobo Drink In Ten Easy Steps

BY CHIDIRIM NDECHE31 AUGUST 2017 | 5:00 AM

Zobo drink is a familiar beverage loved by Nigerians.

Zobo drink. Photo: Tatashey

It is produced from dried roselle or sorrel leaves (Hibiscus Sabdariffa). This bright red drink is loved both for every day and as a refreshment drink in parties. This drink has many advantages: available, affordable, tasty, refreshing and have a lot healthy benefits.

Zobo is not only refreshing, it can also be used to regulate blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, strengthen blood vessels, calm the nerves, reduce stress, for weight loss, and to improve sex drive. It is not safe for pregnant women in their first trimester though, because it induces menstruation and may lead to a miscarriage.

Here is how to make a delicious Nigerian Zobo drink:

Recipe makes about 5 litres of zobo drink, depending on how concentrated you want it to be and if you will use artificial flavours, which require more water.

You may add artificial flavours and sweeteners such as Nutri-C and sugar if you wish.

Ingredients

2 (De Rica) cups of dry zobo leaves
2 tablespoons of cloves (konafuru)
2 stumps fresh ginger
Water
1 big ripe pineappl
Slices of citrus fruits of your choice: orange, lemon, lime – to garnish

Zobo drink. Photo: About Nigeria

Before you make

Rinse out the dust from the zobo leaves with cold water.
Grind the cloves into a powder.
Wash and peel the skin of the ginger and blend roughly.
Wash, peel and cut the pineapple into thin slices.

How to make Zobo drink

In a pot, ass the washed zobo leaves and pour enough water to cover it totally.
Cook on medium heat and leave to boil for a few minutes.
Add the ginger and the garlic, add more water and keep boiling for at least 30 minutes. This is the time it will take for the zobo leaves to be completely soft.
Turn off the heat and set aside to cool down completely.
Blend your pineapples while your zobo cools.
When cool, sieve out the zobo leaves. Then pour the juice through a chiffon cloth to remove tiny particles and leave only a smooth juice.
Add the pineapple juice. You can sieve it through the chiffon cloth again to make sure there are no particles left.
Add any artificial flavours of your choice at this time and stir.
Pour into bottles and refrigerate.
Serve with ice and sliced fruits. Enjoy it alone or with a snack.