ROOIBOS (RED TEA)

(Aspalathus linearis)

Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss), also known as Red tea, Bush tea and Redbush tea, has become the hottest trend in the tea industry with no caffeine, body like black tea, more antioxidants than green tea and the versatility of the best herbals. It has expanded from an herb indigenous to the South African Cedarberg Mountains, known only to the Khoisan tribesman, into one of the most consumed herbs in the world. This wild resource has become a commercially cultivated crop popular in Europe and Japan for a number of years, but now becoming more available in the Unites States and Canada. It is known for its cool, sweet, refreshing flavor and in addition to lack of caffeine is low in tannins but rich in naturally-occurring nutrients including iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, fluoride, manganese and sodium.

A shrubby African legume with bright green, needle-like leaves and small yellow flowers in spring, Rooibos grows to about 5 feet in one of the richest botanical areas in the world in sandy soil with a high acid content and sparse, but consistent rainfall. Harvest takes place once a year, between January and March, after plants are just 18 months old. Rooibos is processed in two different ways, producing two distinct teas. The traditional Red Rooibos is produced when the leaves are bruised after picking, during which the leaves turn its distinctive reddish amber color, then they are left to ferment like black tea and finally sun-dried. The new Green Rooibos is not bruised or allowed to ferment and has a mild taste which is reminiscent of green tea but without the astringency plus contains even more antioxidants than traditional Rooibos.

Among Rooibos’ many uses, its most popular utilization is as a tisane, or herbal beverage. It is also an effective meat tenderizer, marinate, and a base for soups and sauces. Its high mineral content makes it suitable as an isotonic sports drink. Rooibos is an all day drink which can be used as a pick-me-up in the morning, a thirst-quencher during the day and at night it helps you relax and sleep well. As an herbal remedy, its mineral content contributes to the maintenance of healthy skin, teeth, bones and metabolic processes. It contains Alpha-hydroxy acid for healthy skin and may be applied topically to relieve itching, rashes and sunburn as well as eczema and acne. Rooibos relieves digestive distress in adults (heartburn) and infants (colic). In addition, Rooibos is being used as a dye, a vitamin, and a spice. The wonderful flavor and startling versatility make Rooibos a mainstay for the converted and a must-try for the not-yet enlightened.

ROOIBOS TIDBITS
One hundred metric tons of fresh leaves yield
40 tons of dried material

570 tons of dried Rooibos were harvested
in 1996 in South Africa

Try this Rooibos recipe for a refreshing beverage for your summer barbeques.

SPICED ROOIBOS PUNCH
1 tsp cloves
2 whole cinnamon sticks
2Tbs loose leaf ROOIBOS TEA (either Red or Green)
6 quarts cold water
1-6oz frozen orange juice
1-6oz frozen lemonade
2 c pineapple juice

          Place the spices and tea to 1 quart of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Let steep 5-10 minutes and strain. Stir in the remaining water and ingredients and chill. If desired, add a 2 liter bottle of gingerale before serving.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8