Book Reviews and More: Red Teas - also known as Rooibos or Rooibosch

Red Teas - also known as Rooibos or Rooibosch

This herbal tea is from the Rooibos (scientific name Aspalathus linearis) plant, a broom-like member of the legume family. This tea can be consumed in either a more native green state or a fermented red state. The tea is reddish brown if fermented, and greenish yellow if not. The green varieties tend to have a stronger and somewhat malty or nutty flavour compared to the red varieties. Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free herbal, low in tannins and high in antioxidants.

Rooibos is fairly new to North America, and becoming constantly more popular. It has been consumed in South Africa for generations. Research on Rooibos has been shown to aid in health problems such as insomnia, irritability and hypertension. Also since Rooibos contains high levels of antioxidants it also helps boost the immune system, destroy free radicals and slow the aging process. Rooibos is the good choice for introducing children to tea and for those with caffeine sensitivities. Distinctly Tea, a company based out of Stratford Ontario, lists on their website which teas are acceptable for

children and what should be avoided. Teaopia in their tea guide (click on cover to right) give some indications but not nearly as explicit. Rooibos can be consumed straight, or is often combined with fruit or other botanicals to create flavoured varieties. I rate my teas on a scale from 0 to 10; 0 I will never try again. 10, I like to always keep on hand.

My Favourite Red Teas:
1. Desert Sage - Republic of Tea - 10
2. Tangerine Dream - Teaopia - 10
3. Summer Breeze - Teaopia - 8
4. Ice Age - Teaopia - Teaopia - 7
5. Earl Gray Rooibos - Teaopia - 7
6. Kalahari - Teaopia - 7
7. Chakra Red Berry Rooibos - Stash - 6
8. Cranberry Pomegranate - Stash - 6
9. Fusion Red, White & Blueberry - Stash - 6
10. African Red Bush - Tazo - 5

Articles in this Series:
0. Tea Tea Everywhere - Teaopia Mad Hatter Tea Party
1. Tea an Overview