Rooibos tea comes in a decent variety of infused flavors which range anywhere from "almond" to "apple cinnamon". It really is, in my opinion, a great herbal tea!
Did you know that studies show it is just as effective as green tea in the areas of health benefits?
Rooibos which is also known as "red tea" to westerners, and "Red Bush" where it is native, brews a dark red cup that is sweet and nutty in both aroma and taste. It has very mild bitter notes and makes me feel relaxed when I drink it at night.
It also has no caffeine which is great for folks who are caffeine sensitive.
But What Exactly is Rooibos Tea?
Rooibos is ONLY grown in the Cederberg region of the Western Cape province located in South Africa. For generations this herbal tea was harvested and consumed for its delicious brew by the locals, and is fairly new outside of its native land.
However, with news of its health benefits, which rival traditional green tea, more and more health conscious folks may be steeping it in their pots as well.
The Rooibos tea bush is allowed to grow to about 3 feet in height and has sort of a wavy appearance with thin needle-like green leaves. After the fermentation process, these leaves will turn the common dark-red color, and will be broken down to very tiny shavings before it reaches your infuser.
The farming of Rooibos hasn't changed since the beginning of its discovery. It is always best for the delicate plant to grow in its natural soil and let mother nature do its work.
Now, as mentioned on the previous page, Rooibos tea is an herbal tea and is not considered a true tea since it comes from the Aspalathus linearis plant instead of the Camellia sinensis plant which produces our traditional teas.
Along with olive leaf tea, rooibos is one of those interesting herbal teas, and recommend this beverage to my fellow tea drinkers who have not yet tried it. If you like loose leaf tea...you should be comfortable with rooibos.
So far, I have had it only from Adagio.com, and remain pleased with the quality. See More At Adagio Teas
There are many flavored varieties to choose from; which I like! That way one does not get bored of the same old cup. Like other loose teas, rooibos deserves to be brewed loose leaf style as well. And yes, those little saw-dust-like pieces are normal.
