Zobo drink production and preservation in Nigeria
Caribbean citizens know this drink as Sorrel. People from other countries call it Roselle. Nigerians love to call it Zobo. It is a popular local beverage. It is an extract from Hibiscus flower. By the way, Zobo drink production is available to anyone who wants to make it using hot water and Hibiscus or Roselle plant. We will describe the process of making and preserving the drink that has incredible medical and nutritional benefits.
Zobo Hibiscus tea is especially popular in the North and West of Nigeria. These territories boast a big quantity of Roselle plants that can reach the height of 2 and even 2.5 meters.
Zobo drink production and preservation is an interesting ‘science’ available to all Nigerians. This beverage tastes sour. Some people like to add sugar or other sweeteners to give it a sweet flavor as it suits their personal likes. Others love the natural ingredients only and preserve the sour taste. It’s up to you whether to change the flavor or not.
Production of Zobo drink in Nigeria
There are many different recipes for making the Zobo beverage. We are about to share the most common one with you. You can add additional ingredients if you wish to change the flavor in the future. You can also test and come up with your own perfect recipe one day.
Ingredients needed for Zobo hibiscus tea drink
- Dry Zobo leaves (Roselle flower leaves) – 2 cups
- Ginger – 1 piece
- Water – 4-5 liters
Optional ingredients
This is what some people add to play with the final flavor:
- Garlic – 1 glove
- Cucumber – 1 piece
- Ripe pineapple – 1 piece or pineapple flavor – 2 sachets
- Orange – 1 piece
- Lemon – ½ piece
- Dried pepper – 1 tablespoon
- Cinnamon – 1 stick or cinnamon powder – 1 tablespoon
- Honey – 2 tablespoons
- Cloves – 2 tablespoons
- Sugar - to personal taste
Zobo drink production
Step 1. The dry leaves from Roselle plant have to be gently washed in cold water.
Step 2. Cut ginger into small pieces. At this stage, you can also cut pineapple, orange or any other additional ingredients you are using for production of your drink.
Step 3. You need a big deep pot. Add water and your ingredients (just don’t add garlic or ginger at this stage). Let everything cook at medium heat until it boils. Boil for about 5 minutes.
Step 4. Now you can add your ginger (those who like the drink with garlic can also add this ingredient now) and more water. Continue boiling for half an hour.
Step 5. Let the drink become cool, then use a piece of chiffon cloth to pour the zobo juice through it into a new pot. You don’t need anything but the juice.
Step 6. Now you can add additional flavor if you want.
Step 7. You can pure the juice in bottles and place in your fridge.
Making Zobo drink is not difficult. However, most of us wish it to last longer. So is preservation possible? Keep on reading to find out.
READ ALSO: Is Zobo drink good for a pregnant woman?
How to preserve Zobo drink
The popular Nigerian beverage can be taken every day. You just need to solve a common issue many people face. The big quantities of Zobo drink can go-off in just a week or even quicker.
Here is some advice on how you can preserve the tasty refreshing drink to enjoy yourself or sell to others (yes, Zobo production can be an incredible business idea).
Low temperatures storing
You should keep the drink in the refrigerator. It is even better to use the freezer. Low temperatures preserve food and drinks because the process of bacteria creation is slowed down. Products get a longer shelf life if kept in the freezers.
Quality boiling
Many businessmen choose a different Zobo preservation method. Instead of relying solemnly on freezers, people choose to boil the juice at about 100 degrees Celsius for 3-5 minutes. Such procedure does make the drink last longer but it has one major drawback. Boiling also neutralizes the Zobo’s nutritional values.
Sterile water
Using sterile water instead of regular water is another method of beverage preservation. Water is combined with boiling effect and the beverage can be kept in good condition for a longer time.
Preservatives
The Zobo beverage will stay fresh for a longer period if you use preservatives. There are natural and chemical preservatives. The list of natural ingredients you can use includes ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, lime etc. These additional ingredients can preserve the flavor and freshness for a while.
The list of chemical ingredients includes 0.1 percent of sodium benzoate (add a pound of sodium benzoate to one gallon of water and you’ll get exactly what you need). You’ll have to use about an ounce of this solution per Zobo beverage's gallon to preserve it better and keep it carbon-free. The other option includes a mixture of citric acid and magnesium sulfate (about 10 ml and 15 mg of each per 5 liters of Zobo brew). Keep in mind, that this chemical can change the drink’s taste so you might need also to pour fruit juice to neutralize this effect.
Packaging
Businesses that make a good profit from selling Zobo drinks can preserve it for long periods by using special packaging. Thus, nitrogen, aseptic and vacuum packets can make the beverage last for up to 4 months. This is cool, isn’t it? However, this method is expensive. You’ll have to invest money to buy the packages.
In conclusion, we’ll note that Zobo Hibiscus tea and juice is a popular drink in Nigeria that can turn into a profitable business. A big variety of recipes lets you find the most delicious one and offer unique beverage to your customers. Remember the natural and chemical preservation methods used to add more shelf life to your product.
READ ALSO: Side effects of zobo drink
Source: Legit.ng
