Sobolo, is a very popular drink in Ghana and other countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt. It is a tea made from Roselle leaves scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Sobolo has a characteristic vivid Burgundy colour due to the colouration of the leaves from which it’s made.
In Ghana, not only is Sobolo accepted widely for its taste, it is also believed to help fight against fever, aids in digestion and eases stomach upset.
In more Scientific news, a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) study done in 2008 by nutrition scientist Diane Mckay revealed that drinking Hibiscus tea actually lowers blood pressure in a group of pre-hypertensive and mildly hypertensive adults.
Ingredients for preparing SoboloÂ
-3 cups of dried hibiscus leaf
-Sugar
-Boiling water
-Sieve
2 Big bowls
Flavour (optional)
Spices: hwentia (also known as Negro pepper), pepree (also known as Grains of paradise or Guinea pepper), wisaa(both up and down), ginger.
How to prepare Sobolo
-Soak the leaves overnight in a big bowl
-Boil for about 10 minutes and let it cool for about an hour
-Blend the spices together and mix with boiled leaves.
-Sieve the mixture and add desired quantity of sugar and flavour (optional). Allow to cool and refrigerate.
-You can blend pineapple or any other citrus fruit you desire to enhance the taste.
Sobolo may be served chilled with or without snacks.
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