Thés & Traditions
French tea house since 2016
Rooibos is incorrectly called red tea in France, while for the Chinese, the only red tea is Pu Erh. This is simply explained by the characteristic red color of rooibos tea when it steeps. In fact, this herbal tea has little in common with tea since it contains no theine and doesn't come from the tea plant. It is rather characterized by a nutty flavor and slightly sweet taste, allowing for gourmet and refined infusions.
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Rooibos, also known as red tea, is a traditional beverage from South Africa. Contrary to what one might think, it is not a tea. Its scientific name is Aspalathus linearis, and it's actually a shrub from the broom family. This species, endemic to the Cape region, has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its many benefits.
Red tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea that can be drunk by everyone at any time of day. South Africans attribute a number of benefits to it and use it for healing. Rich in antioxidants, it protects the body from attacks due to oxidative stress and free radicals.
Since rooibos is not derived from the tea plant or Camellia sinensis, it technically shouldn't be called tea. However, it is very often found under the name red tea due to its characteristic color. It actually comes from a variety of broom that grows only in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa.
Rooibos tea originates in South Africa in the mountains of the Cape region. The indigenous people named it "roy-boss", which means reddish bush. This flowering bush has never been successfully planted in any other region or country. Despite numerous attempts, it seems unable to grow anywhere else than in its original environment, similar to the argan tree in Morocco.
Rooibos has many benefits for digestive and cardiovascular health. It is appealing for its sweet and mild taste and its numerous properties. Indigenous people use this infusion for asthma, insomnia, colic, and even eczema.
The benefits of rooibos are numerous. It aids digestion, helps with sleep, and can even be consumed during pregnancy. As it is loaded with polyphenols, it has a protective effect against oxidative stress. This is why it is often described as an antioxidant.
Rooibos tea is traditionally prepared with milk, but it's also very good plain or flavored with vanilla or lemon. To enhance its flavors, steep for 10 minutes. Unlike tea, it is never bitter and its taste will never be altered by a steeping time that's too long. It is used in superb caffeine-free herbal teas that can be consumed throughout the day.
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