Zobo

Name: Zobo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients: 3 cups dried hibiscus petals (zobo leaves); 1 large piece fresh ginger, sliced; 1 whole pineapple, peeled and chopped (or 2 cups juice); 10 whole cloves; 2 sticks cinnamon; 1 cup sugar or honey to taste; 2L water; Ice for serving

Zobo (ZOH-boh)

Hibiscus Drink

⏱ Prep Time 30 min + chilling

📈 Difficulty Easy

👥 Servings

A deep crimson, tangy-sweet chilled drink brewed from dried hibiscus petals infused with ginger, cloves, and tropical fruits.

Nutrition & Info

Carbs 22.0g

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

large pot sieve or cheesecloth pitcher bottles

Presentation Guide

Vessel: glass pitcher or bottles

Garnishes: pineapple slice, fresh ginger, mint

Accompaniments: chin chin, small chops

Ingredients

3 cups dried hibiscus petals (zobo leaves)
1 large piece fresh ginger, sliced
1 whole pineapple, peeled and chopped (or 2 cups juice)
10 whole cloves
2 sticks cinnamon
1 cup sugar or honey to taste
2L water
Ice for serving

Instructions

1
Rinse hibiscus petals thoroughly to remove any grit.
2
Place petals in a large pot with ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and water. Bring to a boil.
3
Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until the water is deep crimson.
4
Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into a pitcher, pressing to extract all liquid.
5
Blend pineapple and strain the juice into the zobo. Stir in sugar to taste.
6
Chill thoroughly and serve over ice. Keeps refrigerated for up to one week.

💡

Did You Know?

Zobo is so popular in Nigeria that street vendors sell it in small plastic bags tied at the top — sipping from the corner is an art form.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

large pot
sieve or cheesecloth
pitcher
bottles

Garnishing

pineapple slice, fresh ginger, mint

Accompaniments

chin chin, small chops

The Story Behind Zobo

Zobo originated with the Hausa people of northern Nigeria, who brewed hibiscus drinks long before colonization. The flower (Hibiscus sabdariffa) thrives in Nigeria's climate, and the drink has become a national favourite across all ethnic groups and social classes.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed any occasion, especially parties and hot weather 📜 Origins: Pre-colonial, Hausa origin

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!