Rooibos Tea is a caffeine-free tisane, or herbal tea from South Africa known commonly as Red Tea. The leaves are green before oxidation, and turn reddish brown when oxidized. You can purchase rooibos tea green, but the red tea is much more popular.
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Rooibos tea is prepared just like black tea, except the brewing time is longer. Bring water to a full boil, then brew for 6 – 8 minutes. In South Africa rooibos is served with milk and sugar, but elsewhere it is usually served plain.
Coffee shops in South Africa have developed a rooibos espresso, which is a concentrated rooibos, and other variations such as red lattes and, red cappuccinos.
The Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea provides many health benefits similar to real teas. It contains high levels of antioxidants without the caffeine and higher tannin levels of real tea. Studies in South Africa and Japan show that rooibos aids in insomnia, irritability, headaches, nervous tension, stomach cramping and hypertension.
In South Africa, Rooibos tea is commonly given to babies as a treatment for colic and is preferred by pregnant and nursing women due to its lack of caffeine.
