How to Make Zobo Drink

West Africa is a region with many delicious foods and drinks. A favorite across many countries is a drink called Zobo (also known as Solobo or Bissap). If you have ever wanted to try something from a different culture or if you are a foodie looking for new recipes, this tasty and popular drink is a great place to start because it is quick and very easy to make.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Selecting Your Ingredients

1
Get some red sorrel or roselle hibiscus leaves. Get dried hibiscus leaves (sorrel or roselle) from your local supermarket or African/Caribbean market. Make sure you get red sorrel, not white sorrel, for this drink.
- These are also called zobo leaves.
2
Select a ripe pineapple. When looking for a pineapple at the store, make sure to get a ripe pineapple. The skin should be more yellow and orange than green, since this will result in a better flavored drink.

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3
Choose your favorite sweetener. You can use any sweetener you want to make this drink. For example, agave nectar, cane syrup, or cane sugar will work. You can also make this drink without a sweetener for a sugar-free, low-calorie alternative.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Cooking Up the Drink

1
Pick an appropriate-sized pot. Choose a pot depending on the amount of the drink you want to make. For a small amount of Zobo drink, such as for 2-4 people, you can use a saucepan. For a larger quantity, you can use a bigger pot.
2
Remove the pineapple skin. Cut off the crown of the pineapple. Cut off the base, then cut the pineapple in half to make it easier to work with. Slice vertically down around the perimeter of the pineapple to get rid of the skin.
- You’ll need a sharp kitchen knife to skin the pineapple. Be careful to keep your fingers out of the way so you don’t cut yourself.
3
Dice the pineapple. After cutting the pineapple in half, cut each slice in half again. Then, cut each of the 2 new pieces into medium sized chunks.
4
Put the ingredients into a pot. Pour the sorrel leaves into a pot. Fill it up halfway, then add the pineapple chunks. Finally, add just enough water to cover the leaves.
5
Let the mixture boil for half an hour. After about 30 minutes, or once the mixture starts to bubble over, turn off the heat. You should notice the dark purple-red color of the drink at this point. Let the drink cool down to room temperature.
- It should take approximately another 30 minutes for the drink to cool.
6
Drain the juice to remove the solids. Drain the juice through a sieve, colander, cheese cloth, or anything you have that can separate the liquid from the solid parts. Wring out any remaining juices in the sorrel and pineapple mixture with your hand.
- Use a glove to keep your hands clean and avoid stains on your skin. Zobo is bright red!
7
Add your sweetener and refrigerate the drink. Add your sweetener of choice (optional), then stir the mixture well. Refrigerate it or add ice if you desire a cold drink. Enjoy!

Community Q&A

Question

Can ginger be added to it?

Community Answer

Yes, you can add whatever you would like to this to personalize it for your taste.
Question

Must the boiling time be up to 30 min?

Community Answer

No, it can be as little as 5 mins on the pot. It also depends if you have a kettle.
Question

What other ingredient can we add aside from sugar and pineapple?

LivPizza :D

Community Answer

Any that you want, but the true flavor and experience is best with just itself.

Warnings

This drink stains! While the staining is not permanent, still be careful of what surfaces you use to prepare the drink. Use gloves when touching the cooked leaves and be cautious in order not to spill the drink.

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