Tea Rhoibos

Rooibos, African for "red bush" is known as the plant Aspalathus linearis which is a member of the legume family. It is used to make a tisane (herbal tea). Rooibos, commonly called South African red tea, has been popular in South Africa for generations.

Rooibos is gains popularity in Western countries particularly among health-conscious consumers, who appreciate it for its high level of antioxidants such as super oxide dismutase (SOD). Besides, just like unoxidized green tea it contains no caffeine and very little tannin (tannins decrease the absorption of certain nutrients like iron and proteimay which may affect the metabolism), in opposition to fully oxidized black tea.
Like other tea leaves, rooibos can be served oxidized (red) or un-oxidized (green), with the un-oxidized version theoretically having more antioxidants intact.

Rooibos grows only in a small area in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape Province. In South Africa, it is more usual to drink rooibos with milk and sugar, but elsewhere people drink it mostly without. The flavor of rooibos tea is often described as being sweet (without sugar added) and slightly nutty.

Preparation of rooibos tea is essentially the same as black tea save that the flavor improves by longer brewing.
Several coffee shops in South Africa have recently begun to sell rooibos espresso, which is concentrated rooibos served and presented in the style of ordinary espresso (which is normally coffee-based). This has given rise to rooibos-based variations of coffee drinks such as red lattes and red cappuccinos.

Effects

Rooibos is a great thirst quencher and is an excellent beverage for active people, including children. Most kids will drink Rooibos without added sugar or sweeteners. Some studies also show that this tea contains anti - spasmodic agents, which can relieve stomach cramping and colic in infants.

It is also used to treat irritated skin. Rooibos contains anti - oxidants, which can help, slow the aging process and boost the immune system.

Usage

Mix 1 table spoon with 1/4 of a liter of boiling water and let steep for 10 - 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Rooibos contains no oxalic acid, making it a good beverage for people prone to kidney stones. Rooibos contains the minerals, copper, iron and potassium, calcium, fluoride, zinc, manganese, alpha- hydroxyl (for a healthy skin) and magnesium (for the nervous system).

This tea is 100% organic. This means it was grown without the use of chemicals and can be safely consumed.

Reviews

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Jul 12, 2007 lucy in the sky said:
     
“It tastes really good! A bit thick although it's just water and leaves, i think that's what they mean with "nutty taste". The water gets nice and red and the flavor is not acidic at all! ”