Coffee and Tea

Rooibos is actually a tisane or herbal tea as it is derived from a plant Aspalathus linearis and not from Camellia sinensis. The literal meaning of the Afrikaans word Rooibos is red bush. Despite the botanist’s difference, it is well known as a form of popular tea worldwide and thus affirming the Shakespeare’s writing, ‘A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.’

About the Plant

Rooibos plant is a shrubby bush with thin and needle like leaves. Leaves produce a light, sweet and delicious brew with a difference in color. The light red color lets its drinkers enjoy a nice change from green or brown color of traditional teas.

South Africa, the native place of Rooibos bush, had witnessed the great relishing of its population with this wonderful brew for centuries. During World War II the import of Asian teas had been restricted. So millions of people had to look elsewhere to find their afternoon cup of tea.

Farmers in Cedarberg mountains used to harvest the low-volume seeds to get their Rooibos drink that had gained popularity all over the world. Finely chopped leaves are left in South African sun to dry.

The original Rooibos green leaves turn red after fermentation process. Fermentation is a kind of oxidation process in tea processing that bears no resemblance with chemical fermentation used to manufacture alcohol where sugars are fermented to make alcohol. The oxidative fermentation of leaves makes them ready to yield a delectable drink.

Health Benefits

The great taste of Rooibos is fortified by Mother Nature with other benefits as well. Rooibos possesses antioxidant properties without having caffeine. This caffeine free drink can be used freely by persons suffering from hypertension. The cancer preventing elements are intact even without caffeine. The low tannin content allows you to enjoy several cups without any concern of poor digestion, constipation, lower absorption of iron and other minerals from intestine.

Immunity boosting property is also found in Rooibos by some researchers. Stomach cramps are also relieved with its use. Persons suffering from Kidney stones can also enjoy it as it is free from oxalic acid. So you can assume Rooibos to be a recipe or remedy for health.

You may find the product labeled Herbal Allergy tea, owing to its reputed ability to aid allergy sufferers. Or it may be labeled Red Bush and available in the section used to treat skin disorders, such as eczema.

But, again, by any other name it is still a wonderful addition to the tea tin. And that’s a tradition that is worth maintaining.

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