Rooibos
July 10th, 2009What’s the haps everybody?
Everyone at Coffee Bean Direct loves coffee, myself included. However, I seem to have an instinctual need to go against the grain. So instead of furthering the coffee love fest I am going to share with you the object of my affection: Rooibos tea. This sweet, delicious brew is not our most popular tea. In fact, it technically isn’t tea at all.
True tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant grown in areas of the world like China, India and Japan. The Rooibos bush is grown only in South Africa. Like tea, the leaves begin green but turn reddish-brown after the oxidation process. Once brewed, this herbal elixir is a very appealing red color and is naturally sweet and delicious before any sugar is added. Rooibos is very flavorful and contains very few tannins which means it does not have the strong astringent taste of many other teas. It is often described as being sweet with nutty flavors but I taste a hint of vanilla.
Rooibos is truly the “red velvet cupcake” of teas!
It is also extremely versatile. In Africa Rooibos is traditionally drunk with milk and sugar. In America it is becoming a popular new iced tea. I have had it hot with milk and sugar, I have had it hot with honey, and I have had Rooibos iced… I love them all (If you desire an even more flavorful cup, try the similar Honeybush Tea… its name explains it all). While doing some internet research on Rooibos for this article I read that it is used in espresso machines to make red lattes and red cappuccinos. I am bringing some more Rooibos home this weekend because I absolutely have to try that out. Has anyone tried this before? I will have to let you know how it went for me.
The best parts about Rooibos are that it has been found to have no adverse effects, is naturally caffeine free and is packed with antioxidants. I know some people assume that healthy foods taste gross, or dull and bland at best (I will admit I can be one of these people), but the Rooibos really is delicious. I am addicted to energy drinks, espressos and double shot lattes, so if I am drinking a caffeine free drink you know it has to taste good.
Ok, I will stop before I sound like an infomercial. I just want to mention one last thing. I am a big fan of the Acai Wulong. The acai flavor is very unique and since we use real acai the tea is packed with even more antioxidants. I think that Rooibos and acai would make a great pair. Both are sweet and flavorful and both are rich in antioxidants. The wulong tea, while full of many of its own health benefits, is definitely not for people sensitive to caffeine. Rooibos just seems like a perfect match for acai berry. If you think we should offer an Acai Rooibos tea please comment or email us at Info@coffeebeandirect.com. We will try anything for our customers if we have a large enough demand for it.
* Suggested water temp: 185degrees F Suggested steep time: 3-4min
This is different for every tea
Tags: Coffee Bean Direct, rooibos, tea
July 12th, 2009 at 12:19 am
i have bieng drinking rooibos tea for about a year now. at chado tea room in pasadena it is delicios bring it on….
July 21st, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Yes, I do agree too with your point of view. Great post! Our bodies make their own antioxidants, but they also make use of antioxidants in the foods we eat. Studies have shown there are many benefits from eating plenty of antioxidant-rich foods which, together with an active and balanced lifestyle, can help reduce the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
August 18th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
I enjoy the black teas that Coffee Bean Direct has, and will try this red tea sometime. I need more antioxidants in my life.
January 12th, 2010 at 7:49 am
Haha how ironic the coffee lovers turn to the best drink Tea. Rooibos is truly the “red velvet cupcake” of teas! This sentence really gets me as it’s so close to the truth. Rooibos is indeed the best tea out there as far as I know, glad to know others are with me on that decisions. Like that you’ve given the steep time at the bottom.hi 5