If you're looking for a comforting, indulgent drink without the drawbacks of caffeine, let me introduce you to Rooibos . Often confused with tea, this treasure from South Africa is the perfect ally for a gluten-free lifestyle and restoring hormonal balance.
🌍 Origin: A well-kept secret of the Cederberg
Rooibos ( Aspalathus linearis ) is not a tea plant, but a small shrub in the legume family. It grows in only one place in the world: in the Cederberg , north of Cape Town, in South Africa.
Local populations have consumed it for centuries, but it was only in the 20th century that it conquered the rest of the world. Unlike black or green tea, it is naturally caffeine-free, making it the ideal drink at any time of day.
💎 Nutritional properties: A mineral infusion
Rooibos is a true "health" drink thanks to its unique composition:
- Zero theine, zero calories: No nervous excitement in sight.
- Rich in antioxidants: It contains aspalathin and nothofagin, rare polyphenols that protect your cells.
- Mineral cocktail: It provides magnesium, calcium, zinc, potassium and iron.
- Low in tannins: Unlike regular tea, it does not hinder iron absorption, a crucial point for us women!
✨ General benefits: Why we love it?
- Soothed digestion: It has antispasmodic properties that calm irritated intestines.
- Preserved sleep: Without stimulants, it helps with relaxation before bedtime.
- Skin health: Its antioxidants help fight eczema and skin aging.
- Heart ally: It helps regulate blood pressure and cholesterol.
🌸 Menopause Focus: Your mineral and zen shield
During menopause, Rooibos becomes much more than just a pleasurable drink:
- Bone density support: Its richness in calcium , magnesium and fluoride is a valuable aid in preventing osteoporosis linked to the drop in estrogen.
- Anxiety management: By replacing coffee or tea with Rooibos, you reduce stress on your adrenal glands, thus helping to stabilize mood and reduce irritability.
- Zero water retention: It is a gentle diuretic that helps eliminate toxins without harming the kidneys.
- Skin comfort: As we know, skin thins and becomes drier during this period. The antioxidants in Rooibos help maintain radiance and elasticity.
🍳 How to “cook” Rooibos?
Rooibos has a naturally sweet, well-rounded, and slightly vanilla flavor. It never turns bitter , even if you leave it in hot water!
1. The perfect drink
Infuse for 5 to 7 minutes in water at 90°C. It is delicious plain, but also goes very well with a splash of plant-based milk (almond or gluten-free oat) for an ultra-comforting “Rooibos Latte”.
2. In an iced version
In summer, prepare a large pitcher, add peach slices and fresh mint. It's a healthy, sugar-free alternative to sodas.
3. In sweet and savory dishes
Use Rooibos infusion as a base for:
- Poaching fruit: Pears poached in Rooibos and cinnamon.
- Cook your grains: Cook your quinoa or fonio in Rooibos broth to give them a unique nutty flavor.
- Smoothies: Replace water or juice with cold Rooibos to boost the antioxidants in your breakfast.
💡 The interesting little extra: Green Rooibos
There is a "green" version of Rooibos (unfermented). It is even richer in antioxidants and has a lighter, more vegetal taste, similar to green tea, but still without any caffeine!
📖 Craving something sweet?
Rooibos is the base for many detox drinks and light desserts on our blog. 👉 Find our Rooibos inspirations and recipes here (Link to your category)
Rooibos is the essence of South African life in your cup. Do you prefer it hot under a blanket or iced in the sun? Let us know in the comments!
