Rooibos Tea

What is Rooibos Tea Made From?

The Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis) is a member of the Fabaceae (Legume) family. It can reach heights of up to three feet, boasting thin, needle-like leaves that, when brewed, taste wonderful. Before harvesting, it experiences some of the most challenging conditions in the world. Temperatures in the Cederberg region often dip below zero in the winter and above 40°C in the summer.

Upon arriving at the factory, the leaves undergo processing. This is the point where you get either Red Rooibos, a fully-oxidised variety similar to Black Tea, or Green Rooibos, which is only slightly oxidised. There are also flavoured types such as Vanilla Rooibos or one with caramel. Each one has something unique, indeed extraordinary, to offer. But where did it all begin?

History of Loose Leaf Rooibos Tea

Rooibos Tea first became widespread when the Khoisan people (one of South Africa’s indigenous populations) roamed freely across the land. This dates back many hundreds of years, long before the European colonisation of the continent. The Khoisan people enjoyed its unique flavour and Rooibos Tea Benefits. Eventually, it became a bedrock of their culture.

By the 1660s, Dutch and British settlers started to encroach on Khoisan territory. Their way of life diminished significantly as a result. Rooibos was all but forgotten for several decades until a Swedish botanist named Carl Thunberg (1743-1828) “rediscovered” it growing high in the mountains. Over a century later, a Russian Tea merchant called Benjamin Ginsberg started selling it overseas.

Tea shortages during the Second World War (1939-1945) led to Britain becoming one of its biggest buyers. It fell into relative obscurity following the conflict, only to emerge once more when Annique Theron (1929-2016), a South African mother, made an amazing discovery. She found that it treated allergies and helped colicky babies, leading to a new era of Rooibos benefits.

What Does Rooibos Tea Taste Like?

That’s all fair and well. But you probably want to know what Rooibos Tea tastes like. The truth is that it depends on which variety you choose. Red Rooibos offers a gentle sweetness with notes of nuts, honey and caramel. Its green counterpart, on the other hand, has a somewhat more “natural” characteristic with a deliciously light and mellow flavour. Whichever one you buy, you’re in for a treat.

Does Rooibos Tea Have Caffeine?

Is Rooibos Tea caffeine free, or does it contain the stimulant? Almost all types of Herbal Tea, excluding Yerba Mate, are 100% void of caffeine. The next question is whether this is a good thing or a bad thing. It depends on your perspective. Should you need extra help getting out of bed in the morning, you might be better off with “real” Tea. Should you want to cut down your intake, then look no further than here.

Is Rooibos Tea Good for You?

Those wanting to avoid caffeine aren’t the only ones to benefit from drinking Rooibos Tea. Those who have seasonal allergies, too, as well as anyone with mild heart complications, skin issues and weight problems, will find it immensely useful. The reason is its wealth in vitamins, minerals and other antioxidants, which improve life in small yet significant ways.

How to Make Rooibos Tea

Brewing Rooibos Tea is relatively straightforward regardless of whether you have Loose Leaf Tea or Tea Bags. The latter, of course, requires next to no effort on your part. The former is only slightly more complicated, which is why we’ve provided you with how to make Rooibos Tea instructions. You’ll need either a Tea Filter or Infuser, as well as the Tea itself, before proceeding with the following guide:

1, Put Loose Tea in a Filter or Infuser.

2, Place the Tea-filled accessory in a cup.

3, Boil water and pour it over the leaves.

4, Allow it to steep for 5-10 minutes.

Best Way to Drink Rooibos Tea: Consider honey or lemon. Alternatively, serve without additions.