Roselle juice, known as bissap, wonjo, dabileni, tsobo, zobo, or sobolo, is a drink made out of leaves of the Roselle (plant). Sobolo is the Ghanaian name. It is called different names in different countries where the drink can be found, but it is generally referred to as Bissap. It is also made from the Hibiscus plant and commonly referred to as Hibiscus Tea
Best way to drink Sobo
Sobolo, often taken when refrigerated, is a cool drink found in many West African countries. It is a dark red-purple coloured juice. The Burkinabes call it bissap while the Ghanaians and Nigerians call it sobolo. It tastes a bit grapey and a little bit like cranberry juice and can be served with mint leaves.It can also be served with any flavouring of one’s choice – sometimes with pineapple juice, tea grass, vanilla and many others. In Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal, sobolo is served cold whiles in Egypt, it is served warm.
Preparation
Sobolo is prepared with water, Bissap flowers, sugar and ginger.
- Wash your Bissap flowers in clean water
- Put flowers into water and allow to boil, or soak overnight.
- Remove from fire and allow to cool, then drain with a strainer to separate leaves from coloured water
- You may add pineapple juice at this point. If tea grass, you can boil together with the leaves.
- Allow to cool if it is still hot, then refrigerate and serve.
Health Benefits
Sobolo regulates cholesterol and blood pressure. It reduces weight and cures common cold. It also acts as an aphrodisiac and helps to protect the immune system.
