Green rooibos is a less fermented variant of red rooibos. This African infusion is characterized by a lighter flavor. Although it shares the same medicinal properties, green rooibos is richer in antioxidants than the red version. Discover this health herbal tea, still little known to the general public.
Discover our green rooibos
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 scarcity is therefore one of the reasons for its price.
To obtain a green rooibos, the leaves are sun-dried and then broken into coarse pieces. They are then placed in a resealable bag before reaching your cup. The leaves intended for red rooibos are fermented. That is where they take on a more intense red hue. Their taste then changes to take on a sweeter note.
What are the characteristics of green rooibos?
The leaf of green rooibos does not ferment. It therefore retains more advantageous nutritional contributions than red rooibos.
According to specialists' opinions, for an equivalent weight, green rooibos is richer in:
- antioxidants;
- vitamin C;
- mineral salts.
The green rooibos infusion has golden hues. It carries a note of freshness reminiscent of green teas. Sometimes, its taste is also slightly tart. Green rooibos is sometimes blended with other plants for original recipes. It must be kept in a resealable bag to preserve the subtleties of its flavor.
What are the health benefits of rooibos?
Specialists are unanimous in their opinion of rooibos: these "teas" possess interesting health virtues. This herbal plant infusion contains numerous antioxidants. And it is also free of theine and caffeine. The absence of substances such as theine and caffeine prevents the onset of insomnia. As an added bonus, its tannin content is very low.
Depending on the origin of the rooibos, customers obtain varying health benefits. However, this organic plant drink has a beneficial effect on:
- digestive disorders;
- sleep disorders;
- vascular disorders.
The effect of rooibos can be immediate for colic. However, customers should be more patient with the herbal tea for deeper issues. Advice from a specialist is recommended in cases of persistent disorders. A herbalist can also provide you with specific recipes combining other plants or spices.
How to prepare your green rooibos?
Organic rooibos all comes from Africa. The quality of the product therefore depends on purchasing and delivery conditions. The origin of the plant must be certified. A superior quality product is necessary to obtain a flavorful herbal tea. The product must consist solely of aspalathus linearis.
Bulk organic rooibos is the best alternative. However, it must be stored in a resealable bag to avoid losing flavor. A dipping sachet, like those used for teas, yields a lower-quality product. Indeed, the plants are almost ground inside them. The flavor is therefore altered. Loose-leaf plant also offers a better value for money.
The right water must then be chosen. According to specialists, spring water is the best. Mineral waters should be avoided, as their taste alters the rooibos fragrance.
For a plain preparation, green rooibos should steep for 8 minutes in water at 100°C. Any longer, the golden hues will turn dark. The flavor may also become stronger; but unlike teas, it will not turn bitter.
How can you 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 a few fruits or spices, you can create your own blend. If you are short on inspiration... an online purchase with fast delivery should satisfy you. A resealable bag is, however, essential for preserving the aromas of your products.
To succeed with such recipes, you must ensure that the weight of aspalathus linearis exceeds the weight of the other components in the finished products. Peach rooibos is currently the must-have among food lovers. But above all, it is your own preference that counts when 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 as a family alongside a peach tart or a Savoy cake.