Rooibos Tea
September 21st, 2007 | by Ingrid
Whichever amazing herbal beverage you choose, Green Rooibos, Honeybush, Red Rooibos or Red Espresso, the pleasant taste and multiple health benefits are worth every sip. Each of these teas are suitable for everyone - adults, pregnant and nursing mothers, children, and people on calorie-restricted diets. Enjoy hot or cold throughout any part of the day or night. I enjoy these herbal teas natural without any additional sweetener [I generally drink tea this way]; they are delicious.
In South Africa, Rooibos tea is often simmered for up to 30 min, strained and served hot or poured over ice. Research studies from Japan show that in order to get full health benefits Rooibos and Honeybush tea should be steeped for 10 minutes or more. The antioxidant activity becomes much higher. These teas can withstand being steeped several times without affecting its flavor.
BREWING
Brew water to boiling using fresh, cold, non-chlorinated water. Fresh water contains more oxygen.
TEAPOT
Pour a bit of hot water into vessel and swirl to pre-heat, pour out water. Place 1-teaspoon herbs or 1 teabag for every 6 oz. of hot water into teapot. Pour hot water into teapot and cover. Steep for 10 + minutes [the longer the better].
CUP
Pour a bit of hot water into cup and swirl to pre-heat, pour out water. Place 1-teaspoon herbs or 1 teabag in cup. Pour 6 oz of hot water into cup. Steep for 10 + minutes [the longer the better].
STORAGE
Store tea in a cool, dry place, in an opaque and airtight container [ideally glass or tin]. The enemies of tea are air, light, moisture and odor from other foods. Tea is very absorbent, store away from other foods. Do not refrigerate or freeze tea.
DID YOU KNOW?
- The Khoisan locals, ethnic groups of South Africa, first discovered traditional Red Rooibos.
- In 1904, Russian immigrant Benjamin Ginsberg was the first to cultivate, trade and introduced Red Rooibos to the world market.
- Benedict from Stellenbosch was first to invent Green Rooibos tea.
- In 2003, Afriplex, a company in South Africa, was the first to produce and distribute Green Rooibos worldwide.
- Red espresso™ was invented by Cape farmer and entrepreneur Carl Pretorius, developed by Carl Pretorius and MD Pete Ethelston and brought to international fame in 2006. The story ~ after deciding to kick his six-a-day- espresso addiction, not wanting to resort to decaffeinated coffee, he tore open three Rooibos teabags, poured them into the handle of his espresso machine and Viola! Now espresso lovers, tea lovers, the health conscious and the cafe set can all enjoy this latest sensation.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO EVA AT SOMERSET TEAHOUSE, BUDAPEST!