Sobolo

SOBOLO

One of my favorite drinks is Sobolo. A refreshing popular drink in Ghana made from the dried red calyces (sepals) flower of the hibiscus plant.  The drink is easy to prepare, turns red and tasks like tangy berry.  On the streets you will mainly find Hausa women selling small bottles from 1 cedi. It is a common drink at events, parties and other celebrations. Sometimes you will be lucky to see on the menu at restaurants and chop bars.

ABOUT
Originated in Africa and grows throughout the seasons as a perennial flowering plant, commonly called Roselle and belongs to the family Malvaceae. There are over 300 species – common being Hibiscus sabdariffa Linne. Hibiscus is cultivated for flowers, leaves, stems, seeds and roots. Hibiscus flowers and seed oils are widely used in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical formulations and has medicinal value,

COMMON NAMES
There are several names for hibiscus
The Burkinabes, Senegalese, and Ivorians call it Bissap.
Zobo or Zoborodo – Hausa
Wonjo – Gambia
Dabileni – Mali
Foléré – Cameroon
Sorrel – Caribbean.

The flowers are sun dried (can be oven or hydrated) for up to 3-5 days depending on the temperature. They are then crushed or blended to different sizes and easily found to buy at markets. 2 cups is about 10 cedis

HOW I PREPARE AUTHENTIC SOBOLO
Ingredients
3 cups Hibiscus flower (dried)
ginger (blended)
2 tsp clove
hwentia
2 tsp aniseed
1 chopped pineapple and peel
1 sliced orange with peel
1 scotch bonnet pepper (cut into 2)

The quantity of ingredients used depends on how spicy or sweet preferred. I don’t always stick to this measurement. Add other spices (eg prekese and experiment with taste.

Add all ingredients to one large pot with water, boil and simmer for 30mins. Strain then leave to cool and refrigerate. I prefer my Sobolo gingery and don’t add any other sweetener. Cool refreshing Sobolo is ready.

BENEFITS – The whole plant of hibiscus, including the flower, stem, leaves, roots and seeds, has beneficial properties. Hibiscus consists of natural pigments, rich in vit c, vitamins and antioxidants.

Various parts of hibiscus are used in the following ways:
Hibiscus edible seed oil is used as a substitute for castor oil and to produce scrubs and soaps.

• The flowers are widely used as organic herbal tea, and seeds are often a coffee substitute.
• Hibiscus leaves are used for culinary purposes. The raw leaves are considered a vegetable.
• Red calyces act as food colourants and dyes. Fresh or dried calyces are used to prepare herbal drinks, fermented drinks, wine, jam, jellies, ice cream, chocolates, flavouring agents, puddings, and cakes

I tend to make Sobolo at least once a month. Depending on my mood I drink hot or cold and freeze in bottles.

Bless Sister E