The story of
rooibos begins around the turn of the century in South Africa.The locals discovered that the needle-like leaves of the 'Aspalathus Linearis' plant made a tasty and aromatic "tea". The green needles are picked, chopped, bruised, fermented and then sun dried.
Rooibos seeds are planted during February and March. They are tended for 18 months after which they are harvested. Cut Rooibos is bound and milled to a uniform length then bruised between rollers to trigger the fermentation process, which results in the characteristic flavor and sweet aroma.
Rooibos is naturally caffeine free and contains calcium, iron, fluoride, and other minerals the body needs to remain healthy.
A 7oz (200 ml) cup of brewed rooibos contains the following nutrients:
Nutrient | Function in the Body | per 200 ml |
Iron (Fe) | Essential for transport of oxygen in the blood | 0.07 mg |
Potassium (K) | Assists certain metabolic functions | 7.12 mg |
Calcium (Ca) | Necessary for strong teeth and bones | 1.09 mg |
Copper (Cu) | Assists certain metabolic processes | 0.07 mg |
Zinc (Zn) | Necessary for normal growth and development of healthy skin | 0.04 mg |
Magnesium (Mg) | Assists a healthy nervous system and other metabolic processes | 1.57 mg |
Fluoride(F) | Necessary for strong teeth and bones | 0.22 mg |
Manganese (Mn) | Assists metabolic processes and bone growth and development | 0.04 mg |
Sodium(Na) | Necessary for fluid and acid-base balance | 6.16 mg |
Rooibos blends well with other herbs and flavorings to produce uniquely delicious hot and cold drinks. Including herbs like rose hips and hibiscus to the rooibos adds Vitamins A and C to increase the health benefits even more. Following are blends of rooibos that are both delicious and healthy.
Rooibos- unblended has areddish orange cup and a fruity, sweet taste.
Provence- This blend contains rooibos, rosehip, black currants, rose leaves, lavender, raisins, red currants, rose petals, blueberries, and natural flavors. This is a smooth relaxing blend perfect for unwinding.
Bourbon Street- This blend has a sweet and fruity taste form the rooibos, calendula petals, almond slices and natural flavors.
Lemon Rooibos- The lemon flavor makes this rooibos taste refreshing and alive. This blend contains rooibos, calendula petals, lemon grass, and natural flavors. In hot weather, try this tea iced with a sprig of garden fresh mint and a slice of lemon.
Rainbow- Rooibos with a sweet amaretto flavoring combined with calendula, thistle and cornflower petals.
Ginger- This blend contains rooibos, calendula petals, ginger pieces, and natural flavors. The sweet rooibos and spicy ginger make a great combination.
Hawaiian Colada- Rooibos combined with pineapple and coconuts to make a delectable drink hot or cold.
These different blends of rooibos are very flavorful and make a nice alternative to
loose tea. They taste great hot or iced and with all the health benefits that naturally occur in the plant they are worth trying. With so many different blends that are caffeine free means there will always be a blend to fit your taste.