Hibiscus Flower

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Common name(s):Hibiscus Flower  Other name(s): Zoborodo, Zobo (Nigeria), Sobolo (Ghana), Bissap (Guinea), Sorrel (West Indies), Roselle

Description: Zobo (roselle) is a woody shrub of the hibiscus specie (hibiscus sabdariffa). There are two varieties; red and white; both cultivated for their leaves and flowers (calyces/sepals). The leaves are used as vegetables in soups and stews while the flowers (calyces/sepals) are used to make a very refreshing beverage believed to have huge nutritional and health benefits.

Category: Hibiscus is considered to be a vegetable.

Nutritional Benefits:  According to nature's colour coding system, fruits and vegetables that are bright red are very good for the blood. So its no surprise that hibiscus extract/drink is considered to a blood tonic with high blood pressure lowering properties! I thought to myself... given the astronomical numbers of people suffering from high blood pressure/hypertension

Other nutritional benefits include:

  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Boosts the immune system (from its high levels of vitamin C and anti-oxidants) 
  • Decreases inflammation of the kidneys 
  • Decreases occurrence of urinary tract infections 
  • Has diuretic properties (helps with water retention) 
  • Can be used as a mild laxative 
  • Helps to normalise blood pressure 
  • Helpful in treating some cancers due to very high levels of anti-oxidants 
  • Reduces bloatiness 
  • Acts like a natural electrolyte providing the body with substitute minerals sweated out while playing sports or rigorous exercise 
  • Decreases the body's ability to absorb alcohol (to prevent hangovers) 
  • Boosts skin health and suppress skin ageing. Increases skin softness and elasticity 


Weight Loss

Zobo tea may be used to support weight loss!!! yes you read it right. The theory is that the body produces an enzyme known as amylase which breaks down complex sugars and starch molecules in food. Some scientists according to pubmed.gov, have determined that hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo/roselle) contains a substance (hydroxycitric acid (HCA)) that can inhibit the production of amylase. So regular drinking of zobo as a tea or a chilled drink can prevent too much digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and consequently not gain excess weight.

*Note: there are very limited practical and clinical trials to provide further proofs. Sceptics actually say these claims are only true in theory.

Caution: with its very impressive nutritional profile, zobo also contains high levels of oxalic acid which could cause rheumatism problems (when drunk in large quantities) for certain people. Also due to its laxative properties, too much is not advised. Moderation is the watch word. Not recommended for pregnant and lactating women.

Nutritional Data Nutritional values (per 100 g)

  • Energy - 24 kcal
  • Proteins - 2 g
  • Carbohydrates - 2.4 g
  • Fat - 0.7 g
  • Fibres - 0.8 g

Vitamins: pro-Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin C

Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium

Usage: can be used to:

  1. brew tea
  2. cook in stews
  3. ground into fine powder and added to cakes and other desserts
  4. make jam / conserves
  5. make syrup
  6. make condiments (zobo salt)
  7. as food colouring /flavouring

Business Ideas/Opportunities:
  • Production of  refreshing drink from the extract
  • Production of food condiments (salt and or sugar based)
  • Production of hibiscus powder
  • Cultivation of hibiscus flowers
  • Exportation of hibiscus flowers




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