I grew up in Nigeria and Zobo drink [Hibiscus sabdariffa ] was one of my favorite drinks as a child. Even now, I always make time to prepare and refrigerate a fresh batch of hibiscus tea. I do this not only for its health benefits, but also for the rich flavors it carries. In this post, I will show you how to make Zobo drink the authentic Nigerian way.
What intrigues me most about hibiscus (Zobo) drink is that I choose the flavors for every batch and experiment with new ones. This feels exciting, unlike popular fizzy drinks that always taste the same. Nigerians love Zobo drinks because it is budget friendly, and always saves on hot afternoons under the crushing sun.
One time I organized a birthday party for my child, I prepared Zobo drink alongside other home made and store bought drinks. Surprisingly, almost all guests stretched their hands to home-made drinks especially zobo leaving out other expensive bottles drinks that I bought. The next day, I returned almost all the store bought drinks where they were purchased. This taught me that lots of people wants healthier drink options nowadays but their enemy is time and knowledge.
List of Ingredients for Making Zobo Drink the Nigerian Way.
These are the basic ingredients that is used to prepare Nigerian style Zobo drink without sugar. This version of the drink are loved more by those seeking to eliminate sugar completely in their diet while still enjoying the classic drink.
Basic Ingredients
- Zobo leaves [ Hibiscus leaves] → 8 cups
- Clean Water → 2 liters
- Cloves → 1 teaspoon
- Ginger→ 1 big bulb
Ingredients for flavors and Taste [Optional]
- Cinnamon stick→ 1 stick [Optional]
- Oranges → 2 large ones [Optional]
- Sweet Pineapple→ 1 bulb [Optional]
- Mint leaves → 1/2 cup [Optional]
- Lemon grass → 1 cup [Optional]
- Sweeteners [ To taste]
STEP BY STEP GUIDE IN MAKING ZOBO THE NIGERIAN WAY
Ingredients preparation
Duration→ 5 minutes
- Wash your Zobo leaves thoroughly to completely remove impurities.
PRO TIPS→ Do not sieve the water while washing the leaves, instead ,remove all the leaves one after the other in the water to avoid sand rudiments which always settles at the bottom of the bowl. Also, wash your Zobo leaves at least twice in completely immersed clean water.
- Wash your ginger and remove the back if you wish to. Ginger bulb is completely safe even when the back is not peeled.
PRO TIPS→ To get the ginger flavor to properly diffuse into the drink, use a fresh ginger and blend smoothly. For dried ginger, blend to fine powder also.
- Wash the cinnamon stick .Break them open to make sure they are thoroughly cleaned,
- Wash your cloves and keep aside.
- Wash and cut your pineapples .Keep the husk from the back .
- Wash and slice your oranges thinly
- Wash you Mint leaves and lemon grass thoroughly.
- Juice the oranges and pineapples and keep aside [Optional when using them as sweeteners]
PRO TIPS→ To get the best of flavor from mint leaves or lemon grass, blend them to paste before adding .
Cooking of Zobo the Nigerian Way
Cooking time → 30 Minutes
- In a clean pot, add washed Zobo leaves and the amount of water needed for cooking and put on the fire.
- Add properly washed cloves.
- Add washed ginger [ Paste or Rhizome]. if you are using a whole ginger without blending, you can also cut the ginger into tiny pieces .
- Add Washed Cinnamon sticks.
- Add the orange slices.
- Add the pineapple husk that was properly washed
- Add mint leaves and lemon grass [Optional]
- Allow all to boil for 30-35 minutes and put off the heat.
- Sieve the Zobo juice with a cheese cloth making sure that the clothes are held in place.
- Add sweeteners [Sugar or sachet sweeteners, Date Syrup; Optional ] and turn .
- Allow to cool and add orange and pineapple freshly squeezed juice [Optional]
- Serve Hot or Chilled depending on preference .
Benefits of Taking Zobo Drink (Hibiscus Tea)
When I first tried zobo as a child, I felt refreshed not only by its tangy taste but because I knew it did more than just quench thirst. In fact, zobo offers several scientifically supported benefits that make sipping it regularly a smart idea.
Antioxidant Power & Fighting Free Radicals
Zobo contains rich antioxidants such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. These compounds neutralize harmful free radicals in our body and reduce oxidative stress. For example, Cleveland Clinic reports that hibiscus tea helps fight inflammation and cellular damage thanks to its high content of antioxidants.
Supports Healthy Blood Pressure
Moreover, Zobo works wonders for blood pressure. Randomized controlled trials show that consuming Hibiscus sabdariffa tea drops systolic and diastolic blood pressure in mildly hypertensive adults. Consequently, regular drinkers often experience measurable improvements in both upper and lower blood pressure readings.
Helps Lower Cholesterol & Protect Heart Health
In addition, Zobo helps reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol, while modestly increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. One trial found participants with metabolic syndrome who drank hibiscus extract had better cholesterol profile. As a result, it supports heart health by reducing risk factors connected to cardiovascular diseases.
Promotes Liver Health & Detoxification
Not only does Zobo offer heart benefits, but it also supports your liver. Studies indicate that antioxidants in hibiscus extract protect the liver from toxins and may reduce fat buildup in the liver, improving enzyme function. Thus, frequent drinkers may keep their liver healthier over time.
May Aid Digestion & Appetite
Also, traditional uses and recent reports suggest Zobo helps with digestion. It contains organic acids (like citric and tartaric acids) that stimulate the digestive system, relieve bloating, and support nutrient absorption. Moreover, its rich vitamin C and mineral content help boost appetite, especially when one is recovering from illness or simply feels sluggish.
Zobo and Pregnancy: What Every Mom-to-Be Should Know
When my friend carried her second child, she craved Zobo almost every weekend. After speaking with her doctor, she discovered hibiscus could cause contractions. she switched to tiger nut milk, and not only did it curb her cravings, it also kept her energy stable throughout the day. While Zobo (hibiscus tea) remains a favorite for many , science tells us that expectant mothers need to be cautious. Let’s look at why.
Zobo May Trigger Uterine Contractions
Hibiscus contains bioactive compounds that stimulate uterine muscles. According to a study in International Journal of Biology and Pharmacy Research , hibiscus extracts may influence uterine activity and hormones. This stimulation can potentially lead to premature contractions, especially in early pregnancy. Therefore, health professionals often advise avoiding hibiscus during the first trimester when the risk of miscarriage is highest.
Zobo Can Lower Blood Pressure Too Much
Zobo is well known for its blood pressure-lowering effect. A clinical trial published in the Journal of Nutrition confirmed that hibiscus tea significantly reduces systolic blood pressure. While this is beneficial for many adults, in pregnancy it may cause blood pressure to drop too low, leading to dizziness, fainting, or reduced blood flow to the baby. Consequently, it’s safer for expectant moms to choose drinks that stabilize hydration without pushing blood pressure down.
Zobo May Interfere with Hormones
Hormonal balance is delicate during pregnancy. Research from Plant Foods for Human Nutrition shows that hibiscus extracts can influence estrogen activity in the body. Since pregnancy relies heavily on stable hormone levels, disrupting estrogen could affect fetal growth and development. Thus, health experts recommend that pregnant women avoid hibiscus to prevent hormonal interference.
Safer Alternatives of Zobo for Pregnant Women
Instead of Zobo, moms-to-be can try:
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Coconut water for electrolytes.
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Tiger nut milk for energy and fiber.
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Warm lemon water for digestion.
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Smoothies packed with fruits and leafy green
Storage of Zobo Drink
Zobo drink can be freezed or refrigerated .For me, I portion the drink in small containers before refrigeration. When freezed, it can last fpr as long as 3 months .When refrigerated, endeavor to consume within 2-3 weeks to avoid loosing taste.
