Rooibos Tea Coffee Alternative
Rooibos Tea
Rooibos Tea (also known as red bush, bush tea, redbush tea and red tea) originates from South Africa. The red bush from which Rooibos originates is grown in South Africa’s southwestern Cape region. The prickly bush can grow up to five feet tall. Harvesting takes place during summer (January to March in South Africa) during which time the plants are cut down to one foot in height.
Being a tisane, Rooibos has many health benefits and is caffeine free. The color is an impressive orange-red when brewed. The taste is neither sweet nor bitter. Other herbs may be blended to help create more body.
Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine free and full of antioxidants much same as green tea. It’s the only known natural source of the potent antioxidant aspalathin.
This nutty tasting herbal tea can be served with milk, honey, sugar or lemon. It can also be brewed and chilled for a refreshing drink throughout the day.
Benefits of Rooibos Red Tea:
- Rich in antioxidants such as aspalathin and nothofagin
- Caffeine free
- Low levels of tannin (about 5%)
- Contains flavonols
- Eases nervous tension
- Helps with allergies
- Aids digestive problems and headaches
- Is used to alleviate insomnia, asthma and dermatological problems
- Soothes infant colic
- No adverse effects have been found
The orange-red color is caused by fermentation. The leaves are immediately dried in the sun after fermentation to avoid oxidation.
Green Rooibos being unfermented, contains more polyphenol antioxidants. When brewed, the color of Green Roibos is tan yellow.
That’s exactly what I do! I make a whole pot of rooibos red tea and wait for it to cool. It’s so much healthier than cordial and it tastes pretty good too. I fell in love with rooibos tea after my dad brought it home and made me a cuppa with milk and honey. I didn’t know there was a green rooibos tea.
The green tastes absolutely lovely! I actually prefer it over the red. If you double brew the strength then add ice and a little agave – YUM! We always serve it in wine glasses and it always tastes better when it looks fancy as well right?!