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In this edition of Live Rooibos, we celebrate the many ways Rooibos brings people together — from meaningful moments shared over a cup of tea to creative culinary experiences and growing international recognition for its wellness benefits.
As South Africa marks Women’s Day, we explore how Rooibos can add warmth and connection to the occasion, whether enjoyed with loved ones or as part of a quiet moment of self-care. We also look at new research highlighted by a leading Mexican publication, which explores Rooibos’ potential role in supporting heart health, and discover how chefs are incorporating Rooibos into sophisticated dining experiences, including a unique Rooibos ice cream served in Cape Town.
And for those planning a cosy meal over the long weekend, we share a hearty Bean Rooibos and Beef Casserole recipe that showcases the versatility of South Africa’s favourite herbal infusion in the kitchen.
All this and more below!
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Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to slow down, connect with the important women in your life and enjoy a few meaningful moments together. Whether you're gathering with family, catching up with friends or simply taking some time for yourself, a warm cup of Rooibos offers a simple way to make the day feel a little more special.
Naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants, Rooibos can be enjoyed throughout the day — from a relaxed breakfast and afternoon tea to a cosy evening wind-down. Pair it with a favourite treat, serve it as an elegant iced tea, or create a Rooibos-inspired tea table to celebrate the women who inspire, support and uplift those around them.
This Women’s Day, take a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate with a proudly South African cup of Rooibos in hand.
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Rooibos has been featured by Mexican publication Infobae following research that highlights its potential role in supporting cardiovascular health. Drawing on studies conducted by researchers at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and the University of Cape Town, the article explores how regular Rooibos consumption may contribute to improved cholesterol levels and reduced oxidative stress in adults with cardiovascular risk factors.
One of the studies found that participants who consumed six cups of Rooibos daily over a six-week period experienced reductions in LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides, alongside increases in HDL ("good") cholesterol. Researchers also reported positive changes in antioxidant markers and confirmed that Rooibos was well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects observed. While further research is still needed, the findings add to the growing body of evidence supporting Rooibos as a naturally caffeine-free beverage that may contribute to heart health as part of a balanced lifestyle.
Click here to read more.
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Rooibos continues to find its way into unexpected culinary experiences, most recently appearing on the dessert menu at Yakiniku, an intimate Japanese-style grill house in Cape Town. Known for its interactive table-grilling experience and carefully curated menu, the restaurant showcased Rooibos as part of a sophisticated winter dining offering.
The meal concluded with a dessert featuring Asian pear and cherry crumb, served alongside Rooibos ice cream and miso caramel. The combination highlighted Rooibos’ versatility as an ingredient, bringing its naturally smooth, earthy character to a refined dessert that balanced sweet and savoury flavours. As chefs continue to explore new ways to incorporate Rooibos into contemporary cuisine, its presence in innovative dining experiences reinforces its appeal far beyond the teacup.
Click here to read more.
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Looking for a delicious meal to enjoy this Women’s Day long weekend? Try your hand at this Bean Rooibos and Beef Casserole dish!
Ingredients
- 1 cup (250 ml) dried white beans
- 2 tsp (10 ml) olive or canola oil
- 750 g stewing beef on the bone, cut into cubes and excess fat removed
- 2 onions, coarsely chopped
- 2 celery stalks with the leaves, thickly sliced
- 4 carrots, peeled and thickly sliced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 4 tsp (20 ml) dried mixed herbs
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 tsp (2,5 ml) salt
- 4 cups (1 litre) strong Rooibos
- 3 ripe tomatoes, cubed
- 300 g cauliflower, cut into florets
- 2 large spinach leaves, cut into strips
- lemon juice and black pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) chopped fresh parsley
Method
- Place beans in a large bowl and cover with 3 cups (750 ml) cold water. Soak overnight, drain and rinse.
- Heat the oil in a large pot and fry meat until brown. Spoon out
- Fry onions, celery and carrots in the pot for a few minutes. Add ginger, garlic, dried herbs, cloves and bay leaves and fry for another few minutes.
- Add the beans, meat, salt and tea and stir through. Simmer with a lid for 1½-2 hours or until the meat and beans are cooked.
- Stir in the tomatoes, cauliflower and spinach and simmer with a lid for 15-20 minutes or until just cooked. Add more Rooibos, if necessary. Season with lemon juice and pepper and stir in the parsley.
Serve with a green salad or lightly cooked green veggies, if preferred. The beans and veggies provide enough carbs and this casserole does not have to be served on another starch – perfect when you need to manage the carbs in your meals.
Click here to read more.
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