The Rooibos is wrongly called red tea in France whereas for the Chinese the only red tea is Pu Erh. This is simply due to the characteristic red color of the rooibos tea when it brews. In the end, this tea has little in common with tea since it does not contain theine and does not come from the tea plant. It is rather characterized by a nutty flavor and a slightly sweet taste and allows to make gourmet and refined infusions.
The origins of rooibos: on the way to South Africa
Rooibos, also called red tea, is a traditional drink fromSouth Africa. Contrary to what one might think, it is not a tea. Its scientific name is Aspalathus linearis, and it is in fact a shrub of the broom family. This species is endemic to the Cape region and has been used for centuries by the natives for its many benefits.
Why consume rooibos instead of tea?
Red tea is a caffeine-free herbal tea that can be drunk by anyone at any time of the day. South Africans believe it has a number of benefits and use it to treat themselves. Rich in antioxidants, it protects the body from oxidative stress and free radicals.
What is the red tea?
Since rooibos is not derived from the tea plant or Camellia sinensis, it should not theoretically be called tea. However, it is often referred to as the red because of its characteristic color. It actually comes from a variety of broom that grows only in the Cederberg mountains in South Africa.
The origins of rooibos or "roi-boss" tea
Rooibos tea originated in South Africa in the mountains of the Cape region. The natives named it "roi-boss", which means reddish bush. This flowering bush has never been able to be planted in another region or country. Despite numerous attempts, it does not seem to be able to develop elsewhere than in its original environment, like the argan tree in Morocco.
Rooibos: benefits of the queen drink of South Africa
Rooibos has many digestive and cardiovascular benefits. It seduces by its soft and sweet taste and its numerous properties. The natives use this infusion in case of asthma, insomnia, colic or eczema.
Rooibos: virtues of a drink to consume without moderation
The virtues of rooibos are numerous. It facilitates digestion, helps 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 called anantioxidant.
How to prepare the traditional rooibos?
Rooibos is traditionally prepared with milk, but it is also very good plain or flavored with vanilla or lemon. To exalt its flavors, allow 10 minutes of infusion. Unlike tea, it is never bitter and its taste will never be altered by too long an infusion time. It is used in the composition of superb caffeine-free herbal teas to be consumed throughout the day.