The rooibos, commonly called wrongly red tea is a drink originating fromSouth Africa. It is traditionally consumed with milk, but is also excellent plain. Rooibos tea is used in the composition of herbal teas which seduce by their delicate flavors and the total absence of caffeine in their composition.
Organic red tea is wrongly called "tea" because it does not contain any theine. This is an advantage since it can be consumed at any time of the day. It remains a beverage accessible to all people to whom caffeine is not recommended (for example pregnant women). Discover in this famous drink popular in South Africa, which has crossed the borders of the country to be exported around the world. Origins, history, varieties and preparation: we give you all the secrets of the famous red tea.
Red tea, more like an herbal tea than a tea
The term "red tea" gives a wrong interpretation of what rooibos really is and leads to confusion. In fact, rooibos comes from Aspalathus linearis and has nothing in common with tea, which comes from a shrub called Camellia sinensis. It differs from tea by its low tannin content and thetotal absence of caffeine in its composition. For this reason, rooibos would be closer to herbal teas rather than teas.
If it is called red tea, it is only by shortcut but also because once infused, this beverage is red. It should be noted that rooibos comes in an infinite variety of flavors, just like tea. Its preparation is quite similar, which is why confusion is common. If you are not familiar with rooibos, you should know that it is a very good alternative to tea, if you want to drink a hot beverage in the late afternoon or evening, without the stimulating and exciting effects. This famous red tea is simply infused in hot water.
Red tea, a characteristic flavor dominated by hazelnut
The taste of the African red tea rooibos has again little to do with tea. It has no bitterness even if you let it steep for a long time. On the contrary, red rooibos tea is naturally sweet and has a delicate nutty flavor. It is a very sweet drink that can be combined with vanilla, fruits or flowers to create gourmet blends. It is also used in the composition of relaxing or digestive blends. And since it does not contain caffeine, rooibos can be consumed throughout the day.
Red tea is available in a wide range of flavors to suit all tastes and desires. Traditionally, it is consumed in South Africa with milk and sugar. But as its natural taste is already slightly sweet, you can avoid adding sugar. This makes it a drink also suitable for diets! Rooibos can be consumed as is or mixed with other flavors to create unique and original blends. For example, it goes perfectly with fruits like orange or apple. Did you know that it can also be used to enhance a dessert?
What is rooibos?
Once oxidized and dried, the leaves of Aspalathus linearis form more or less long red needles. This is what we call red tea or rooibos. This delicious drink comes straight from South Africa, the only place where the famous plants are grown. The cultivation of Aspalathus Linearis is done on plantations in medium altitude.
Naturally rich in antioxidants, rooibos is an excellent health ally, just like green tea or black tea. Slightly fermented, the leaves are presented in fine pieces, to be infused in hot water. Rooibos can then be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preferences. And even in the evening, which makes it an ideal drink for those who fear insomnia due to caffeine!
The traditional red rooibos, an age-old drink
Red rooibos has been consumed for centuries by the natives who attribute many virtues to it. This age-old drink is the traditional South African beverage.
Organic rooibos red tea is harvested during the first three months of the year: when it is summer in South Africa. It is important to know that the plant lives on average seven years and that it takes one and a half years for the first harvest. The harvested leaves are then slightly humidified and they oxidize during 8 to 24 hours. It is during this stage that they take their characteristic orange-red tint. The leaves are then dried in the sun, sterilized and packaged before they reach your cup!
Green rooibos with enhanced antioxidant content
Green rooibos is actually a rooibos that has not undergone any oxidation. It has a different flavor, but it is also richer in antioxidants.
Like tea, rooibos comes in different varieties. Recently arrived on the market, the green rooibos seduces more and more followers. It is an unfermented dried rooibos, which offers tenfold benefits. It is harvested in the same way. On the other hand, green rooibos is not oxidized and therefore dries without adding water. Its antioxidant content is much higher, which makes it an ideal health ally. Its taste is more bitter and acidic, but it offers more health benefits.
Honeybush: a close cousin of rooibos
Honeybush is a cousin of rooibos which also belongs to the Fabaceae family. It has a characteristic taste of honey which earned it the name of Heuningbos in Afrikaans which literally means "honey bush".
Less known than rooibos, honeybush has also great powers. This slightly honeyed, theine-free infusion is characterized by its digestive, calming and antioxidant qualities. Honeybush is also very rich in trace elements and minerals. Good news: its virtues are therefore numerous. This drink helps to alleviate the undesirable effects of menopause, eliminates free radicals from our cells and has a beneficial effect on aging.