Rooibos is incorrectly called red tea in France while for the Chinese the only red tea is Pu Erh. This is simply explained by the characteristic red color of rooibos tea when it steeps. In fact, this herbal tea has little in common with tea since it contains no theine and doesn't come from the tea plant. It is rather characterized by a nutty flavor and slightly sweet taste and allows for making gourmet and refined infusions.
The origins of rooibos: heading to South Africa
Rooibos also called red tea is a traditional drink from South Africa. Contrary to what one might think, it's not a tea. Its scientific name is Aspalathus linearis, and it's actually a shrub from the broom family. This species endemic to the Cape region has been used for centuries by indigenous people for its many benefits.
Why drink rooibos instead of tea?
Red tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea that can be drunk by everyone at any time of day. South Africans attribute a number of benefits to it and use it for healing. Rich in antioxidants, it protects the body from attacks due to oxidative stress and free radicals.
What is red tea?
Since rooibos is not derived from the tea plant or Camellia sinensis, it theoretically shouldn't be called tea. However, it is very often found under the name red tea due to its characteristic color. It actually comes from a variety of broom that grows only in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa.
The origins of rooibos tea or "roy-boss"
Rooibos tea originates from South Africa in the mountains of the Cape region. The indigenous people named it "roy-boss", which means reddish bush. This flowering bush has never been successfully planted in any other region or country. Despite many attempts, it seems unable to grow anywhere else than in its original environment, similar to the argan tree in Morocco.
Rooibos: benefits of South Africa's queen of beverages
Rooibos has many benefits for digestive and cardiovascular health. It is appealing for its sweet and mild taste and its numerous properties. Indigenous people use this infusion for asthma, insomnia, colic, or even eczema.
Rooibos: benefits of a drink to be consumed without moderation
The benefits of rooibos are numerous. It aids digestion, helps with sleep and can even be consumed during pregnancy. As it is loaded with polyphenols, it has a protective effect against oxidative stress. This is why it is often described as an antioxidant.
How to prepare traditional rooibos tea?
Rooibos tea is traditionally prepared with milk, but it's also very good plain or flavored with vanilla or lemon. To enhance its flavors, allow 10 minutes for steeping. Unlike tea, it's never bitter and its taste will never be altered by too long of an steeping time. It's used in making superb caffeine-free herbal teas that can be consumed throughout the day.