The History And Magic Of Rooibos
Rooibos tea (pronounced roy-boss) originated in South Africa and was made popular during World War II, when importing tea from war-ridden countries such as Asia was virtually impossible. With the demand for a substitute being urgent, Rooibos tea became an alternative beverage and trade soared. Nowadays, the tea has become a popular alternative to those wishing to avoid caffeine or tannin in drinks. Rooibos tea is also know as Red tea or African red bush tea.
What Is Rooibos Tea
Like the teas of the Camelia Sinsesis bush, Rooibos tea from the African Red Bush goes through a fermenting process. The leaves are finally chopped, bruised by shaking the leaves, and then left to ferment. It is then left in the South African sun, where it changes texture from a green to a dark red hue.
The Taste And Color
Rooibos tea is known for its red color and has a mellow soothing taste. It is often used as a base in fruit tea such as Lemonade, and spice tea such as Herbal Chai.
How To Brew
Rooibos tea can be brewed in similar style to black or oolong tea. Make sure that the water you use is fresh. Try to avoid using tap water, as this is not always the purest source and may actually change the sweet taste of the tea.
It is recommended to use an infuser and add about a teaspoon of tea leaves per cup.
Amount Of Tea And Steeping Time
Rooibos tea requires similar steeping times to other teas. Letting the water cool for around 5-10 seconds after boiling will give it the right temperature.
It is recommended to steep the tea around 5-10 minutes according to taste preference. You can add milk, cream or even honey if required. Rooibos tea comes in a variety of flavors so it might be best to experiment with a few different ones, to see which taste you like the best.
Benefits Of Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea has a range of health benefits. The first is that it is caffeine free, making a great substitute for coffee and other hot drinks. This makes it safe to drink for pregnant women, people with a low threshold for caffeine and children. It is also a great bed time drink.
Rooibos tea is thought to be good for anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects, making it a great solution for those who suffer from hayfever or asthma. Being caffeine free it is also suitable for children and has often been used as a treatment for colic in babies. Many people also use extract of Rooibos as an ointment in treating eczema.
Because it contains quercetin and luteolin, this is thought to possibly help prevent against cardiovascular disease, stroke and some cancers, although more research is needed.