Fruity Zobo Drink Recipe

 

Zobo drink, also known as hibiscus tea, is a beloved, refreshing beverage made from hibiscus leaves and commonly enjoyed throughout West Africa. Known for its tangy and fruity taste, this drink is packed with antioxidants and is wonderfully customizable with fruits and spices. This fruity Zobo recipe enhances the traditional flavors with ginger, pineapple, oranges, mint, and cucumber for a tropical twist that’s perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients:

• 5 cups dried Zobo leaves (hibiscus leaves)
• Water
• 1 large piece of ginger
• 1 medium-sized pineapple
• 2 oranges
• 1 handful of fresh lemongrass
• Fresh mint leaves (about 10-12 leaves)
• 1 medium cucumber
• Sugar or other sweetener (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Prepare the Zobo Leaves:

• Begin by washing the Zobo leaves to remove any dirt or debris. Place the dried hibiscus leaves in a bowl of water, gently swish them around, and then lift them out immediately. This helps keep the leaves clean without removing their natural flavors and nutrients.

2. Prepare the Pineapple:

• Peel the pineapple and set the skin aside (don’t throw it away!). Pineapple skin adds a sweet and tropical essence to the Zobo. Cut the pineapple flesh into chunks, which will also be added to the pot for an intensified fruity flavor.

3. Prepare the Ginger:

• Peel the ginger root if you prefer a milder taste, as the skin can add an earthy note. Chop it into small pieces or slices for easy cooking.

4. Prepare the Cucumber:

• Rinse the cucumber thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. Cucumber adds a refreshing taste and additional hydration to the drink.

5. Prepare the Oranges:

• Cut the oranges into quarters, carefully remove the peel and seeds, as seeds can impart a bitter taste.

6. Combine Ingredients in a Pot:

• In a large pot, add the washed hibiscus leaves along with the pineapple skins, pineapple chunks, ginger, cucumber slices, orange quarters, lemongrass, and fresh mint leaves.

7. Add Water and Simmer:

• Pour enough water to cover all ingredients in the pot, then cover with a lid. Let it simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes to allow the ingredients to release their flavors and blend harmoniously. The Zobo will deepen in color and become fragrant as it cooks.

8. Prepare Additional Juice Blend:

• While the Zobo is simmering, blend a few more pieces of pineapple, orange, and ginger, along with some fresh mint, to make a juice purée. This purée will add more flavor and natural sweetness to the Zobo drink. Use a blender or juicer and strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any pulp.

9. Strain the Zobo Mixture:

• After simmering, take the pot off the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Then, strain the Zobo mixture through a sieve or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the solid ingredients. You may add more water if you prefer a lighter consistency.

10. Add Sweetener (Optional):

• The Zobo drink has natural sweetness from the fruits, but you can add a touch of sugar or any sweetener of choice if you like it a bit sweeter. Stir well to dissolve the sweetener.

11. Combine with Juice Blend:

• Pour the strained juice purée into the Zobo and stir to mix. This adds a fresh, fruity dimension to the drink.

12. Store or Serve:

• Pour the Zobo into a large jug or bottle. Refrigerate to enjoy within a week, or freeze for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). For immediate serving, add ice cubes to make it extra refreshing.

Enjoy this vibrant, fruity Zobo drink, perfect for sharing with friends and family! Its tangy, sweet, and spicy notes are sure to make it a hit at any gathering.