Red tea, also known as rooibos, is a popular South African herbal drink made from the Aspalathis linearis plant. It is caffeine-free, has a delicate earthy flavor, and is believed to have health benefits due to its high antioxidant content.
Red tea is a popular South African drink made from the dried, oxidized leaves of the Aspalathis linearis plant. Technically, it’s herbal tea, not tea, as it doesn’t contain the leaves of Camellia sinensis, the tea bush. Several South African companies produce red tea for export, as it has also become popular in many other parts of the world; it is a common offering in teahouses and restaurants and can also be found in many markets.
This drink is also sometimes called rooibos, a reference to the mother plant. In Afrikaans, the Dutch hybrid language spoken in South Africa, “rooibos” means “red bush”. Native Africans have used the leaves of this bush to make herbal teas for centuries, and when European explorers were introduced to red tea, they acquired a taste for it. While this drink’s common name is technically incorrect, it has become so pervasive that it is generally considered acceptable, except by tea purists.
The rooibos plant only grows in a small region of South Africa. In summer, the leaves are harvested, lightly bruised and left to oxidize, which turns them red. After a period of oxidation, the tea is dried and packaged for sale. It is also possible to find green rooibos, made from fresh leaves that are immediately dried without oxidation. In South Africa, red tea is a readily available and very popular drink.
The flavor is delicate and earthy, with slight mineral tones and a natural sweetness. Red tea has no tannins or caffeine, so it is safe for people on a restricted diet and for people with health concerns. When steeped, the tea acquires a deep red color and can be savory or lightly sweetened and dressed with milk. Some people also enjoy this iced tea, which is often offered as a thirst-quenching drink in hot weather.
Some people also believe red tea has health benefits. South Africans often offer it to colicky or restless babies, or drink a cup before bed to calm down and promote sound sleep. This popular African tea is also packed with antioxidants, which appear to promote overall health while helping the body resist heart disease and other potentially harmful conditions. Red tea is seen as a ubiquitous cure in South Africa, and is commonly offered to guests and people who are feeling restless or upset.
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