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Zobo Leaves (Dried Hibiscus)

Zobo leaves are dried roselle hibiscus calyces. They make the tart red zobo drink.

Updated Oct 28, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

African grocers sell zobo by the bag. Latin American shops stock the same calyces as flor de Jamaica. Online, search hibiscus flowers or roselle too.

Professional insight

Drink makers buy whole, deep red calyces with little dust. Colour and aroma show freshness better than the brand.

Whole calyces brew clearer than cut and sifted bits.
Brown or pale calyces give a weak, flat drink.
Shake the bag: heavy dust means broken, old stock.
Food grade packing matters more than an organic claim.

Check the label

Plant name reads Hibiscus sabdariffa or roselle.
Whole calyx or cut and sifted stated.
Bag weight of the zobo in grams or ounces.
Best before or packed date printed.
Country of origin, such as Nigeria or Sudan.
No added colour, sugar or flavour unless you want it.
Importer or packer name and address.

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Zobo leaves by other names

Same dried calyx, different labels
Name	Where you hear it
Zobo	Nigeria
Sobolo	Ghana
Bissap	Senegal and West Africa
Sorrel	Jamaica and the Caribbean
Flor de Jamaica	Mexico and Latin America
Roselle	Botanical and Asian markets

How to use it

1Rinse the dried calyces in cold water to remove dust.
2Boil them with water, ginger or pineapple peel.
3Simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
4Leave to steep and cool, then strain.
5Sweeten to taste and chill.

The drink stains cloth and counters. Use a steel or enamel pot, not a light plastic one.

Safe use

Keep brewed zobo in the fridge and drink within a few days.
Throw it out if it fizzes or smells sour.
Ask a doctor first if you take blood pressure medicine.
Ask a doctor first if you are pregnant.

Storage

Keep dried zobo in an airtight jar away from light and damp. Moisture brings mould and insects.

Common questions

Are zobo leaves really leaves?: No. They are the dried calyces around the roselle flower.
Is hibiscus tea the same thing?: Often yes, if the label says Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Whole or cut zobo?: Whole calyces are easier to rinse and strain.
Can I freeze brewed zobo?: Yes. Freeze it in bottles with room to expand.