The explosion of herbal teas on the market is evidence that the humble “cuppa” is no longer limited to the common Camellia sinensis. The following varieties are teas that not only taste good, but also deliver a host of health benefits, taking you from tea break to self-care.
Hibiscus
Not only devastatingly beautiful, hibiscus flowers are brimming with polyphenols that have been enjoyed as part of the diet in Africa, South-East Asia and many subtropical places around the world. The sepals — outer portion of the flower that protects the petals — are the part that is most used commercially, and can be found in jams, juices, jellies, syrups, wines and cakes.
Now, if you’re of my vintage, you may have visions of giant jarred hibiscus flowers that were all the rage to add to your sparkling wine back in the day. This is not them.
This is the dried preparation of hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), whose potent decoction creates a deep crimson representation of the very system that it aids. The cardiovascular system is the primary beneficiary, with research showing significantly lowered blood pressure and improved blood vessel function due to the hit of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant polyphenols.
Rich in vitamin C, hibiscus contributes to the health of your skin and immune system, and may also improve blood glucose levels.
These potent qualities are evident the moment you open a packet of the dried sepals, almost making your mouth water with syrupy, tangy goodness. Equally delicious prepared as a hot or cold tea, this gorgeous brew is wonderful with a sprig of mint, or used as a base for a warming spiced tonic using other spices such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and perhaps a piece of orange rind. You can also sweeten it with a little honey or maple syrup as desired.
Rooibos
This story is from the Eat Well #26 edition of Eat Well.
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This story is from the Eat Well #26 edition of Eat Well.
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Sweet TRAYBAKES
Whether you want to feed a group of people or make a batch of treats for the week, traybaking is a no-fuss way to cook up something sweet and easy that will please everyone. Your family and friends will love you when you offer them some of our: cinnamon scrolls; fruity chocolate; espresso brownies; lemon & coconut slice; or ginger cake with brown butter frosting.
ROLL UP
When you roll food, whether in Lebanese bread, a thin pancake or whatever you choose, you can create a parcel of nutrition that is perfectly suited to your own tastes and needs. Here are some roll-up recipes that will suit every occasion including: mango, snow pea, & sprout rice paper rolls; oat crepes with coconut yoghurt & mixed berries; or beef meatball & tzatziki flatbreads.
RICE BOWL Lunches
If you are working from home, or even enjoying your weekend, and lunchtime rolls around but you have no plans for lunch, then a rice bowl is an ideal saviour.
PLANT-BASED PIES
Pies are a piece of gastronomic brilliance: a filling with a case and lid you can eat is food genius. The first pies date back to Egyptian times and there is a recipe for chicken pie that was carved into stone more than 4000 years ago. For millennia, however, the pie casing was mostly used to cook the filling, but for around 500 years or more we have been eating the pie crust too.
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Decipher the deeper causes of your cravings and discover tricks to curtail them.
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Eggplant is a wonderful option for vegans and vegetarians, extremely nutritious and highly versatile in the kitchen.
5 PANTRY SAVIOURS
Whether you're cooking a simple breakfast or something more exotic, here are five pantry food staples you should have on hand to cook plenty of delicious meals in the comfort of your own home.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)
Cucumbers are delicious fresh but they also offer plenty more options in the kitchen.
Our Chefs
Meet the chefs who bring this issue's recipes to you: Lisa Guy, Georgia Harding, Lee Holmes, Sammy Jones, Raquel Neofit, Naomi Sherman and Ames Starr.
