Sobolo is the Ghanaian name for a tea made out of rosella leaves, also referred to as Bissap, Zobo or Sorrel. Sobolo (Bissap, Zobo, Sorrel or hibiscus tea) is a cool drink found in most West African countries. It is a dark red-purple (ruby red) colored juice. It tastes sour, a bit grapey and a little bit like cranberry juice and can be cooked with ginger, mint leaves, pineapple, vanilla, tea grass or the aroma of choice. Like other teas, it can be consumer hot or cold depending on preference.
The Sobolo (Bissap, Zobo, Sorrel or hibiscus tea) is one of the superfoods that can help us live a healthier life. The health benefits of hibiscus tea include relief from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, digestive, immune system, and inflammatory problems. It helps to cure liver disease and reduces the risk of cancer. It can also speed up the metabolism and help in healthy, gradual weight loss. Hibiscus tea is rich in vitamin C, minerals and various antioxidants, while also helping in the treatment of hypertension and anxiety.
The hibiscus tea can also include relief from cramps and menstrual pain. It helps in restoring hormone balance as well, which can reduce other symptoms of menstruation like mood swings, depression, and overeating.
Ingredients
- 10 cup water
- 2 cup dried hibiscus flowers
- 1 pineapple
- 1 bunch fresh mint, washed thoroughly
- 1-2 cups sugar, or to taste
How to Make Hibiscus Tea?
Wash the pineapple, peel, core and slice
Bring 10 cups water, mint, hibiscus flowers and the pineapple skin to a boil in a medium stockpot.
Boil for10 – 15 minutes, or until the color becomes a deep, purplish red.
Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool.
As soon as the mixture is cool enough to handle, remove mint and discard.
Strain the bissap into a large bowl.
Add sugar (to taste).
Stir until sugar dissolves completely.
Bottle the bissap and chill thoroughly.
Serve over ice, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint and/or a squeeze of lime.
Stay tuned for decadent bissap cocktail recipes later this week!
I really love this recipe