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Rooibos tea is a South African herbal tea also known as “redbush tea”. Rooibos, which means “red bush,” is a broom-like plant in the Fabaceae family that grows in South Africa’s fynbos.
The leaves are used to make herbal tea known as rooibos (particularly in Southern Africa), bush tea, red tea, or redbush tea (predominantly in Great Britain).
The tea has been popular in Southern Africa for generations, and it has gained international traction since the 2000s. The tea tastes earthy, similar to yerba mate or tobacco.
What is Rooibos Tea?
Although there are two types of rooibos tea, red rooibos is the most traditional, popular, and least expensive. The Fabaceae plant family includes the’red bush’ plant. The leaves of this broom-like plant, which grows in South Africa, are harvested and oxidized to produce the rich color.
When brewed, red rooibos tea yields a sweet deep red hue-like liquid with a hibiscus tea flavor.
Rooibos is typically grown in the Cederberg, a small mountainous region in South Africa’s Western Cape province.
Health Benefits of Rooibus Tea
Tea enthusiasts enjoy its flavor, which they describe as smooth and sweet with a hint of vanilla. It also complements other ingredients well. But there’s more to rooibos tea than just its flavor.
For centuries, South Africans have used rooibos tea for medicinal purposes, which explains its distinct health benefits.
Rooibos tea contains no caffeine because it is a herbal tea. It also lacks tannins, which can be bitter in green and black tea. Despite having little nutritional value, rooibos tea is high in antioxidants, which may be beneficial to health.
Polyphenols, which are chemical compounds that allow plants to fight stress, are the antioxidants found in rooibos tea. People who consume polyphenol-rich foods are less likely to experience inflammation. Chronic inflammation has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and a variety of other conditions.
Processing Rooibus Tea
Rooibos tea is typically made in the same way as black tea, with the addition of milk, lemon, sugar, or honey. It is also available as lattes, cappuccinos, and iced tea.
In most cases, the leaves oxidize (often termed “fermentation” in common tea processing terminology). This process gives rooibos its distinctive reddish-brown color and enhances its flavor.
Unoxidized “green” rooibos is also produced, but the more difficult production process (similar to that used to make green tea) makes it more expensive than traditional rooibos. It has a malty, slightly grassy flavor that differs from its red counterpart.
Rooibos Tea (Red Bush Tea)
Equipment
- Glass infuser mug
- Measuring jug
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Pure Rooibos tea leaves
- 600 ml Water
- 80 ml Milk (optional)
Instructions
- Pour water into a clean saucepan and add the tea leaves.
- Cover lid and bring to boil on high heat.
- Stir, turn the heat down and boil for 30min, with the lid off.
- Remove and strain the tea.
