How do you know about Rooibos Tea? Read on to learn all about what Rooibos Tea is, the health benefits, as well as optimal brewing times.
What is Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos is a bushy plant native to South Africa, Rooibos (Apalathus linearis) literally means 'red bush' in Afrikaans. This is a rather apt description, as the leaves, which start out a succulent shade of green, turn an earthy red colour once processed. They are plucked, oxidized and dried, and then infused in hot water - in a similar way to the tea plant.
You can also get unoxidized Rooibos, sometimes referred to a Green Rooibos, although it is much less common. Rooibos Tea has been enjoyed in South Africa for many years and was first commercially processed in the 18th century. It is naturally caffeine free and goes very well with both milk and sugar, making it a popular caffeine free alternative to milky Black Tea.
What are the benefits of Rooibos?
In addition to Rooibos being caffeine free, which is a great benefit for those trying to cut down on their caffeine intake, it has other health benefits too. This tea also has high antioxidants and is really great for the skin. It also make a great skin exfoliant when used as a natural face or body scrub.
What is the history behind Rooibos loose leaf tea?
Rooibos has been produced in South Africa for hundreds of years and is enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. Unlike tea, Rooibos didn't become a popular commodity to trade so it remained fairly unknown outside of South Africa for most of the 18th-20th centuries. More recently, the growth of Rooibos Tea's popularity has been one of the largest in the tea industry and it is now easy to find a range of Rooibos Teas in your local supermarket.
How to brew the best cup of Rooibos Tea?
Our Tea Mixologist recommend brewing for 4 minutes but an interesting fact is that if you over brew Rooibos Tea it will never go bitter because it is not made from the Camellia Sinensis plant. Rooibos can be brewed exactly like a Black Tea; it is delicious with or without milk and sugar.
What's your favourite Rooibos Tea blend? Let us know on our socials @birdandblendtea or comment below.
