SURVIVING 37⁰C HOT WEATHER: STAYING HYDRATED WITH ZOBO DRINK

Hey lovelies ❤️
It's your favorite girl @debbie-ese 😍
Welcome to my blog 🤗

Take a quick look at the attached Weather report for today and you would have an idea of how intense the sun has been lately. In Nigeria, we have been in the Dry season for some months and it is predominantly characterized by severe hot sun, dusty and dry air. During this period it is important to stay hydrated at all times among others such as the use of sunscreen, sunglasses and staying away from direct sun rays. Well, our major concern in this post is about hydration.

Hydration has to do with maintaining the water balance in the human body and it can be regulated by consuming water or other types of fluids such as Zobo drink. Due to the hot weather in Nigeria at this time it is important to stay hydrated at all times in order to prevent dizziness, fatigue or headaches that is caused by dehydration. As a result of this, I make Zobo drinks periodically in my house to avoid the consumption of too much carbonated drinks. Overconsumption of carbonated drinks is strongly linked to health issues such as diabetes, excessive weight gain among others due to the sugar component.

Zobo drink is also known as Hibiscus Tea in some parts of the World. It is gotten from a plant called Roselle from the Hibiscus family. The drink is said to be highly medicinal. It has the potency to boost eyesight, aid food digestion, increase energy levels, improve the overall health of the heart and so on.

There are a thousand and one ways to prepare a zobo drink, so it is left for you to prepare it according to your taste. You can select one or more ingredients of your choice such as pineapple, mango, orange, lemon, beetroot, ginger, garlic, cloves etc.

Ingredients needed to make zobo drink

• Dried Zobo leaves

• Cloves

• Garlic
  

• Ginger

• Water

• Instant Fruit Flavored Drink

Preparation

• In a bowl of water rinse the Hibiscus leaves to get rid of the dirt.
  
  This is very important due to the fact that these leaves are mostly dried on the ground. During the washing process you may discover that the color is washing off but don't panic you'd still have more than enough as you start boiling.

• Next, grind your cloves and set aside.

• Next, wash, peel and blend the ginger and garlic. Set aside

• In a pot pour some clean water and allow to boil. Add your desired quantity of zobo leaves, garlic ginger, cloves and other fruits.
  

• Allow to cook for about 20 to 30 minutes. After that allow the pot to cool for some hours.

• Now it is time to extract the juice out of the zobo leaves. This will be done using a sieving cloth so that tiny particles will not find their way out.

• Ensure that you repeat the process for about three times by using enough water to sieve the chaff.
  

• Next add your flavored drink which can serve as a sweetener. However, it is optional. Some people also add sugar ir honey.

• Your zobo drink is ready. You can serve in a cup and add some ice cubes or store in bottles and keep in your refrigerator.

As we eagerly anticipate the start of the raining season any moment from now we should endure the heat of the dry season by doing everything possible to stay hydrated. In the spirit of staying hydrated we can avoid carbonated drinks by opting for zobo drinks that is a more healthy alternative. It is a good choice for keeping your body hydrated with its refreshing taste.

Thank You For Your Time and See You in My Next One.

All images attached to this post are mine.