All About Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free herbal beverage with a naturally sweet and nutty flavor.
What is Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos tea is a type of herbal tea that is made from the leaves of the rooibos plant. The rooibos leaves are harvested, bruised, and then left to dry in the sun. Once dried, the leaves are cut into small pieces and oxidized, giving it the reddish-brown color and enhancing the flavor. Since rooibos is an herbal tea, it’s naturally caffeine free and full of antioxidants.
Origins
Rooibos tea has been used for centuries by the indigenous people of South Africa. The plant, also known as Aspalathus linearis, is native to the Western Cape and grows heavily in the mountainous regions. Rooibos tea was first documented by European explorers who encountered the Khoisan people in the late 18th century. By this time, the Khoisan people had used rooibos as a medicinal plant and were known to produce tea from its leaves.
Rooibos tea began to be commercialized in South Africa by the early 20th century, and the first processing plant was opened in the town of Clanwilliam in 1930. Today, rooibos tea is known all over the world but still primarily comes from South Africa.
Types of Rooibos Tea
Traditional Rooibos
This classic form of rooibos tea is made from the dried and oxidized leaves of the rooibos plant.
Green Rooibos
Made from fresh, unoxidized rooibos leaves, green rooibos has a slightly grassy flavor and is higher in antioxidants.
Flavored Rooibos
Companies can add natural or artificial flavors to rooibos tea, such as vanilla, honey, or fruit flavors.
Herbal Rooibos
Rooibos tea can be used as a base for herbal teas, with herbs and spices like chamomile, peppermint, or ginger.
Rooibos Chai
A specialty blend of rooibos with traditional Indian spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
Can rooibos tea be consumed during pregnancy?
Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, making it an amazing choice for pregnant women! However, it’s important to consult with your doctor before introducing any new beverages into your diet.
Can children drink rooibos tea?
Rooibos tea is safe for children to drink because it’s naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins.
What is unique about rooibos tea?
Rooibos tea is native to South Africa and is not found anywhere else in the world. Unlike traditional tea, rooibos is made from the leaves of the rooibos plant instead of tea leaves. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, with or without milk and sweeteners, and is popular in tea blends with herbs, fruits, and spices.
How many cups of rooibos tea can I drink per day?
Since rooibos is caffeine-free, there is no recommended limit on how much rooibos tea you can consume per day. However, it is always best to consume anything in moderation.
Does rooibos tea have any side effects?
Rooibos tea is generally considered safe to drink and does not have any documented side effects, but some people may be allergic or intolerant to rooibos and may experience mild stomach upset if consumed in large quantities.