I love preparing my zobo drink with more of natural fruits including the peels of the particular fruit I use for the flavour I want but you may add artificial flavours and sweeteners such as Foster Clarks, Nutri C, jolly juice e.t.c if you don’t have the natural substitute. The Concentration of the juice also depends on choice as some like theirs concentrated while others like their’s less concentrated like me. Also, the more concentrated the drink is, the more likely it is to sour and ferment quickly. Traditionally, Zobo drink has been used for years and therefore seen as a herbal health drink which has been known to help several health issues including high blood pressure, loss of appetite, circulation, liver diseases, cancers, fevers, and as a gentle laxative and diuretic. Modern research also supports the fact that hibiscus has multiple health effects. This definitely makes it one of the top 10 healthy drinks to make at home.

Related Posts: Hibiscus Recipes

Directions::: 

Step 3: Add the chunks of pineapple, ginger and Cloves (Konofiri). The taste of the zobo really intensifies when it’s boiled with the ingredients unlike when it’s left to steep. Leave to boil for about 25mins.

Step 5: This is supposed to be a health drink so I ensure I use only natural sweeteners and flavours like honey, sugar cane juice, pineapple juice etc. Alternatively, if you don’t have the natural juices, you can substitute with  Artificial flavours and sweeteners such as Foster Clark’s flavour, Nutri C, jolly juice e.t.c. 

Step 6: Refrigerate and serve cold.

Nutritional and Health benefits:

• It has long been used traditionally as a natural diuretic and in the treatment of several diseases such as Urinary tract infections. It Promotes kidney functioning.
• Zobo drink is a veritable source of vitamin A
• According to nutritionists, it has been found to be very effective in the management of hypertension due to its anti-hypertensive properties.
• It also helps in lowering blood pressure as it contains an enzyme inhibitor which blocks the production of Amylase
• It’s good for diabetic patients
• It reduces the cholesterol in the body
• It aids in digestion and acts as a Natural health tonic
• It has Antibacterial properties
• It helps Decrease spams in the stomach
• It Soothes colds and provides similar cold relief obtained by consuming antioxidant drinks

Other names it is known as in different regions:::

• Bissap – In Niger, Senegal, Burkina faso, Benin, France, Congo and Guinea Bissau.