Unveil the green rooibos, the thousand-virtue infusion from the Cape

Green rooibos is a less fermented variant of red rooibos. This African infusion is characterized by a lighter flavor. Although presenting the same medicinal properties, green rooibos is richer in antioxidants than the red version. Let's discover this health-promoting herbal tea, little known to the general public.

What is green rooibos?

Rooibos is a shrub from South Africa. Its scientific name is aspalathus linearis. This plant grows in the wild, in the Cederberg mountains. Its leaves have a reddish color characteristic of the drink.
The downside of rooibos is that it only grows in this region. Its rarity is therefore one of the reasons for its price.
To obtain green rooibos, the leaves are dried in the sun and then reduced to coarse pieces. They are then placed in a resealable bag to arrive in your cup. The leaves intended for red rooibos are fermented. This is where they take on a more intense red hue. Their taste then changes to take on a sweeter note.

What are the specificities of green rooibos?

The leaf of green rooibos does not ferment. It therefore retains more advantageous nutritional benefits than red rooibos.
According to experts, for an equivalent weight, green rooibos is richer in:

• antioxidants;
• vitamin C;
• mineral salts.

The green rooibos infusion gives golden reflections. It is scented with a fresh note reminiscent of green teas. Sometimes, its taste is also slightly tangy. Green rooibos is sometimes mixed with other plants for original recipes. It should be stored in a resealable bag to preserve the subtleties of its taste.

What are the health benefits of rooibos?

Experts unanimously agree on rooibos: these "teas" have interesting health benefits. This herbal tea contains numerous antioxidants. And it is also free of theine and caffeine. The absence of substances like theine and caffeine prevents the occurrence of insomnia. As an added bonus, its tannin content is very low.
Depending on the origin of the rooibos, the customer obtains varying health benefits. However, this organic herbal drink has a beneficial effect on:

• digestive issues;
• sleep disorders;
• vascular disorders.

The effect of rooibos can be immediate on colic. However, the customer should be more patient with the herbal tea for deeper problems. Consulting a specialist is recommended for persistent issues. A phytotherapist can also provide specific recipes with other plants or spices.

How to prepare your green rooibos?

All organic rooibos come from Africa. The quality of the product therefore depends on the purchasing and delivery conditions. The origin of the plant must be certified. A superior quality product is necessary to obtain a tasty herbal tea. The product should consist solely of aspalathus linearis.
Loose organic rooibos is the best alternative. However, it must be in a resealable bag to maintain its flavor. A steeping bag, like those for teas, produces a lower quality product. Indeed, the plants are almost ground in these bags. The flavor is therefore altered. Loose plant also offers better value for money.
Next, you need to choose suitable water. According to experts, spring water is the best. Mineral waters should be avoided as their taste alters the flavor of rooibos.
For a plain preparation, green rooibos should steep for 8 minutes in water at 100°C (212°F). If left longer, the golden hues will turn black. The flavor may also become stronger; but unlike teas, it will not become bitter.

How to enhance your green rooibos?

Organic green rooibos pairs well with many spices. It can also be pleasantly flavored with fruit zest.
Obtaining a flavored rooibos is relatively easy. With some fruits or spices, you can concoct your own blend. If you lack inspiration... an online purchase with fast delivery should satisfy you. However, a resealable bag is essential to keep the flavors of your products.
To succeed with such recipes, you must ensure that the weight of aspalathus linearis is greater than the weight of other components in the finished products. Peach-flavored rooibos is currently the must-have for gourmets. But ultimately, it's your opinion that matters in choosing your flavor.
With a splash of milk, the organic fermented beverage advantageously replaces the English "cup of tea". The infusion can then be enjoyed with family around a peach tart or a sponge cake.