Your dream tour of South Africa would not be complete without a taste of the famous African red bush tea. The Rooibos tea in South Africa is something you really must try. Not only does it have incredible herbal benefits, but a sip of this tea will also immerse you into the wonderful African culture through its unique aroma and taste.
How is Rooibos Tea made?
The Rooibos tea is caffeine free and is a herbal infusion made from an unusual plant called the Aspalathus Linearis. The plant can be found as nurtured crop on farms or growing freely in the wild. Much of Rooibos tea is made from leaves that have fallen from the plant and have then oxidised in the sun. However, the green Rooibos is normally made from leaves that have not been oxidised.
The different flavours of Rooibos:
The South African Rooibos tea can be found blended with many different flavours and today, there are over 30 different blends available. One of the most popular flavours is the Double Red Rooibos, which contains the Rooibos powder making for a richer tea. Other delectable flavours include mint, vanilla, tiramisu, caramel and camomile.
Rooibos tea’s health benefits:
Rooibos herbal tea has even made it onto Time’s top 50 healthiest foods list thanks to its natural properties, which offer both physical and mental benefits…
- Caffeine Free: As mentioned earlier, there is no caffeine in Rooibos tea which can be hugely beneficial to people who suffer from insomnia, stress and anxiety. So when you want to relax, you can happily enjoy a cup of Rooibos.
- Diabetes: There are a number of rare antioxidants found in Rooibos tea, one of which can help prevent the development of type ll Diabetes. Aspalathin can assist blood sugar levels, preventing them from rising or falling dramatically.
- Cardiovascular Health: One of the powerful antioxidants found in Rooibos tea is Quercetin. This helps with any inflammatory issues, which ultimately can help reduce blood pressure. It can even help protect you from conditions such as strokes and heart attacks.
- Bone Health: The Rooibos infusion is full of calcium, manganese and fluoride minerals that all contribute to your daily intake. These minerals are all needed to help the strength of your bones, nails and teeth.
The fight for the red Rooibos tea:
The red bush Rooibos tea has become a well-known product all over the world, with people eager to reap its many unique benefits. However the South African people had to fight to secure the future of its name when a French company attempted to trademark ‘Rooibos’. Luckily, in 2014 South Africa was officially awarded the trademark name, even though they have already been making it for generations.
When you a visit a country, experiencing and appreciating each bit of their culture can be a remarkable thing, all the way down to their traditional cup of tea. So when you’re taking a sip of your locally grown Rooibos tea during your trip to South Africa, remember to ask all about it. We’re sure local people will have a story they can tell.
Image by Selena N.B.H
