Thés & Traditions
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Red tea or rooibos tea is an infusion-type drink that originates in South Africa. Consumed since time immemorial by indigenous people who appreciate it for its medicinal virtues, it has been winning the hearts of Europeans for several years. Its nutty flavor and properties give it many advantages both in terms of taste and health.
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The name "rooibos" comes from the dialect of the first African settlers and means "red bush". Today a true national drink in South Africa, rooibos does not contain theine and therefore has the advantage of being consumable at any time. This does not detract from its many benefits for the body. It is called "red tea" for the color it takes during its production, but in reality, it is not really part of the tea family. Rooibos is more comparable to a herbal tea or an infusion.
Rooibos tea originates in a mountainous region 200 kilometers from Cape Town in South Africa. It comes not from a tea plant or Camellia Sinensis but from a shrub of the broom family called Aspalathus linearis. Rooibos is not technically a tea but would actually be closer to an herbal tea since it contains neither theine nor caffeine.
This is actually a great advantage since rooibos can be drunk at any time of the day. In the evening, you can consume red tea without fear of difficulty falling asleep, as is sometimes the case with theine or caffeine.
Red rooibos is mainly cultivated in South Africa, in high-altitude plantations. It has been consumed there for several centuries. It has since been exported throughout the world and has become a very popular drink here, for its many virtues. Because just like tea, rooibos is a true health ally.
Rooibos tea has a mild nutty flavor and allows for very tasty infusions. It is traditionally consumed plain with milk and a little sugar, like traditional English tea. This South African tea is becoming increasingly popular in Europe, where enthusiasts also like to drink it plain or enjoy its benefits in combinations flavored with spices, flowers, or citrus fruits.
The preparation of rooibos is quite similar to that of tea. Simply infuse the leaves in hot water, using a filter or a tea ball. To enjoy the unique aromas of red tea, it is important to respect the infusion time and water temperature. This information is indicated on the package and may vary from one type of red tea to another. Rooibos has a naturally sweet and mild taste: no need to add sugar. This also allows you to enjoy an absolutely calorie-free drink! It can be consumed hot or as iced rooibos tea.
Red Rooibos tea comes from an endemic species of broom from South Africa. It is traditionally consumed by indigenous people for its many medicinal virtues.
The plant that produces South African rooibos tea is none other than Aspalathus Linearis. The leaves are harvested at the beginning of the year and are then oxidized. They then dry in the sun: this is where they take on the characteristic color of rooibos. Red tea can be packaged as is: this is called plain rooibos. But to vary the flavors, there are many blends. Rooibos is then combined with different flavors, often fruity, to compose unique and original tastes: vanilla rooibos tea, organic orange lemon rooibos... You thus have the possibility to vary your drinks according to your desires.
Rooibos tea is also called red tea in French, incorrectly since it is not a tea. It should be called rooibos infusion since it contains neither caffeine nor tannins.
You often hear different terms to refer to it: rooibos, red tea, infusion... Is there a difference between all these names? To tell the truth: no. You just need to remember that it's inaccurate to call it "tea" since there is no theine in this drink. You can then speak of rooibos infusion or herbal tea. Also note that rooibos is not always red: there are other variants. Green rooibos, for example, is an unfermented version that is becoming increasingly popular for its exceptional virtues. In this case, of course, talking about "red tea" is no longer coherent.
Like tea, rooibos tea is picked and then its leaves are dried before consumption. Once dry, they have a characteristic needle-like shape and a beautiful garnet color.
There are different manufacturing processes. Red rooibos, the best known, is made with leaves to which water is added. Thus, they oxidize, during a process that can last from 8 to 24 hours. In other cases, there is no fermentation and we speak of green rooibos. This variety dries directly in the sun, without adding water. The leaves then retain all their benefits. Rooibos comes in the form of small pieces of leaves, which are then packaged. Loose rooibos tea can be combined with other flavors to create blends.
Organic rooibos is a red tea from organic farming, meaning it has not been treated with dangerous pesticides. Only organic teas and herbal teas ensure you a high level of quality and safe, risk-free consumption.
But what really is the benefit of consuming organic red rooibos tea? You have no idea what you might find in your cup when you choose a tea that is not organic. In reality, the leaves are not washed before infusion, so when the tea is full of pesticides and chemicals, you ingest them directly! You then understand the importance of choosing an organic rooibos herbal tea: it undergoes no aggressive treatment. In addition to the obvious benefits for your health, the taste of organic rooibos is also much better. So why deprive yourself?
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