Healthy Nigerian Zobo Recipe: How to Make this Refreshing Hibiscus Drink at Home

Ingredients

• 2 cups Dried Hibiscus (Sorrel) Leaves (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup Pineapple Skin (from one medium pineapple, washed thoroughly)
• 5 whole Cloves (whole cloves)
• 1 piece Cinnamon Stick (2‑inch stick)
• 2 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced)
• 1 whole Lemon (sliced, zest optional)
• 1 whole Orange (sliced)
• 2 liters Water (filtered)
• 1 cup Pineapple Flesh (fresh, diced)
• ½ cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 cup Watermelon Chunks (seedless, cubed)
• as needed Ice Cubes (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare Fruit and Spices

   Wash the pineapple, lemon, orange and any other fruit thoroughly. Peel the pineapple, set aside the flesh for later, and reserve the skin (about 1 cup). Slice the lemon and orange, peel and slice the ginger, and gather cloves and the cinnamon stick.

   Time: PT5M

2. Boil Hibiscus Base

   In a large pot add the rinsed hibiscus leaves, pineapple skin, sliced ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, lemon and orange slices. Pour in 2 L of water. Bring to a rolling boil over medium‑high heat.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

3. Simmer the Mixture

   Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 30 minutes, uncovered.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: Low heat

4. Steep and Cool

   Turn off the heat and let the hibiscus infusion steep for at least 2 hours (or overnight) at room temperature to develop flavor.

   Time: PT2H

5. Strain the Concentrate

   Place a fine mesh sieve over a large bowl and pour the hot mixture through, pressing gently with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

   Time: PT5M

6. Blend Sweetening Fruit

   In a blender combine pineapple flesh, orange juice, lime juice and watermelon chunks. Blend until smooth.

   Time: PT5M

7. Combine Concentrate and Fruit Blend

   Stir the fruit blend into the strained hibiscus concentrate until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust with extra fruit juice if desired.

   Time: PT5M

8. Portion and Chill

   Pour the finished Zobo into clean glass jars, seal, and refrigerate. Serve cold over ice cubes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Refrigerated

Nutrition Facts

Calories

80

Protein

0.5 g

Carbohydrates

20 g

Fat

0 g

Fiber

1 g