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Rooibos is an Afrikaans word meaning “red bush.” The rooibos plant is native to a small region of South Africa. It has been used since before recorded history but it gained popularity during WWII. During the war years it was difficult to obtain tea, so people were looking for a substitute. Rooibos tea fit the bill. Rooibos tea is naturally sweet and has a slightly nutty flavor. It makes a brownish-red brew that looks very similar to black tea. Most people in South Africa add milk and sugar to their rooibos tea, but in other countries it’s usually served without any sweeteners or creamers. Health Benefits of Rooibos TeaMany people enjoy rooibos tea for its refreshing taste, but it is attracting world-wide attention because of its many health benefits. The medicinal properties of rooibos tea were known to the indigenous people of South Africa, and recent scientific studies have confirmed this traditional knowledge. Rooibos tea is a healthy drink.Rooibos tea contains flavinoids – antioxidants that protect us against disease-causing free radicals. Flavinoids are also found in tea from the Camellia sinensis plant (green tea, black tea, and oolong tea) but some reports suggest that flavinoids found in rooibos tea are more effective in combating diseases like cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. Like many herbal teas, rooibos tea is caffeine-free, so it can be consumed at any time of the day or night without worries of disrupting your sleep. In fact, rooibos tea has a calming effect that makes it an ideal bedtime beverage. Rooibos Tea ProductionRooibos tea leaves are processed in a similar fashion to “real” tea leaves. After harvesting, they are allowed to oxidize and dry in the sunlight. The oxidation process is what turns the rooibos leaves from green to red.After oxidation (or fermentation as it is sometimes called) the leaves are sterilized by steam and dried in commercial dryers. Finally they are sifted and packaged. Rooibos tea is available either loose or bagged. It is made the same way as regular tea, except the steeping time is usually extended for up to 10 minutes. It can be served either hot or cold – iced rooibos tea is especially refreshing on a hot summer day. For more information about the health benefits of rooibos tea, see this scholarly article: http://www.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/articleview.asp?a=2550 |
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