Photo by Jess Watters on Unsplash
I love nothing more than a cup of Rooibos/ Redbush tea, and discovered it thanks to my South African husband, Peter, who is originally English but was born in South Africa.
He grew up drinking Rooibos, with his Mum, Cathy, even putting some of this tea, cooled, in his baby bottle from 9 months old.
We did the same with our sons too and they loved it! With a refreshing, almost nutty, earthy taste, its health benefits are many making it a health-boosting drink for kids and adults, too.
The tea comes from the shrub, Aspalathus Linearis, whick grows only in the Western Cape Province of South Africa and I’ll be honest and state that it can be an acquired taste at first.
Trying it for the first time in South Africa, visiting Peter’s family, I wasn’t a fan, much to my parents-in-law’s surprise. It tasted and even, smelt quite odd to this Earl Grey loving girl, and I just couldn’t get used it. With time though, it slowly grew on me (they say you have to try something new 7 times to get used it to, right), and it’s literally all I drink now.
Not only do I love the smooth and refreshing taste, I could literally write a book on its myriad of health benefits.
According to WebMD, it has 50 times more antioxidants than green tea which fight damaging free radicals, is anti inflammatory, and due to it’s high Vitamin C content can ease digestive problems after a big meal.
Thanks to the calcium, iron, potassium, copper, fluoride, manganese, magnesium, zinc and alpha hydroxy acid content, this magical tea can also improve skin, respiratory health, bones and teeth, headaches, insomnia, asthma, eczema, bone weakness, hypertension, allergies, and premature aging. Wow!
As it’s free from caffeine and low in tannins, you can sip it all day long without worrying about adverse side effects, too.
I first drank a cup with a slice of my mother in law Cathy’s famous chocolate cake which I must get the recipe for, so I can share it on here.
For now though, I’ve shared my gluten-free chocolate cake, a favourite with the family and the perfect companion to a cup of delicious Rooibos tea. Not the healthiest of cakes but life is about moderation hey and tea balances it out!
Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 150g butter
- 150g honey (we like manuka)
- 3 free range large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 150g Self Raising Gluten-free flour
- 50g high quality cocoa powder, sifted
- 5 tbsp Milk (we like lactose free or goats milk)
- Double cream, whipped to serve
- Strawberries (6, halved)
- 200g dark chocolate for the topping
Method:
In a medium sized bowl, mix the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs and vanilla, then the flour, cocoa powder and milk, stirring.
Add to a shallow cake tin 18 – 20cm in diameter and bake on the oven for 20mins on a 160.c heat.
Leave to cool.
Melt the chocolate over a bain marie, stirring occasionally until melted and cover the cake.
Decorate with thick, whipped cream and strawberries!
Have you tried Rooibos yet?
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nice article and website.
nice article and website.
I have lived in South Africa most of my life, but only started drinking Rooibos tea a year ago. It is now one of my favorite things. Caffeine free, and delicious with a teaspoon of honey. I’m on my third cup of the day 🙂
Bianca recently posted…The Perfect Home Alone Day for Moms
So good for you x
I love rooibos a perfect caffeine free tea. Sadly I rarely have it with cake.
Chloe recently posted…Review of Sainsbury’s Free From Choc Orange Bar
So lovely!
I replaced coffee & that means no more sugar & milk.
I have lost 11 lbs(5kg) in about 4 months.
I’ve never had so much energy and my head is so clear, I feel wonderful 🙂
Oh wow, amazing!
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Loved that chocolate pie… Does this tea has the same benefits as green tea?
You know I LOOOOVE Rooibos xxxx and it’s so good for you xxxx And the cake looks perfect! x
Mirka Moore @Fitness4Mamas recently posted…Running on Clouds – adidas UltraBOOST X
So good for us hey, thanks, need to make that cake again soon, been too long x
I love redbush and have it black though some have it white. Its definitely acquired taste but i love it now!
Carol Cameleon recently posted…5 Ways To Get More Focus And Get More Zing! ~ #TheZenZing
Same Carol and like you I often drink it with or without milk. My husband only likes it without though x
I didn’t realise rooibos tea had more anti-oxidants than green tea. I bought a box of it once and tried to get used to its unusual flavour but to be honest, I just don’t like it and I am sticking to my green tea for now. I guess everybody should try it first and then decide for themselves whether they like it or not..
Petra recently posted…CBD oil, a miracle natural medicine: Everything you need to know
Absolutely Petra and it might grow on you. It took me several tries and I now love it 🙂