Rooibos Tea

If you prefer traditional over flavoured blends, then the Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company’s very own high quality Rooibos tea might be the choice for you.

The term Rooibos comes from the Afrikaans language and means Red Bush. It is grown in the Cederberg Region of South Africa where it has been enjoyed by the Khoisan tribes for hundreds of years. Also referred to as Bush tea or Red tea.

Rooibos is actually a herb from the Aspalathus Linearis plant rather than the Camellia Sinensis plant, meaning it is not technically a tea at all!

In fact, Rooibos Tea is commonly known as an herbal tisane although it is oxidized using the same process as black tea, giving it a beautiful deep coloured leaf with a wonderfully rich flavour.

Surprisingly, the Rooibos scrub thrives in the harsh conditions of the Cederberg region where temperatures range from below zero in winter to above 40C in the summer.

History of Rooibos Tea 

Its consumption in tea form began centuries before Europeans even set foot on the continent, where it was used by the Khoisans, the indigenous population of the region. These tribespeople used Rooibos loose tea for herbal remedies to cure a number of ailments within their communities.
 
Eventually, as Dutch and other early European settlers began to colonise South Africa, the Khoisan population began to dwindle and so too did Rooibos tea consumption. What had been a vital part of South African culture was at risk of completely fading from history until a Swedish botanist by the name of Carl Thunberg rediscovered the leaves in 1772.

As Rooibos began to increase in popularity among the colonists, a more widespread interest in the drink was established.

By the early 20th Century, Rooibos was beginning to reach outside of the continent as the tea industry nurtured its exports. This subsequently led to extensive marketing, establishing Red bush as an herbal alternative to normal tea. 

Benjamin Ginsberg in particular, a Russian immigrant with ties to tea manufacturing was crucial to the story of Rooibos as he began to build on its modest reputation, rebranding it as a Mountain Tea in 1904. His contribution, along with the tea industry tremendous input, meant that Rooibos became a beverage known around the world! 

The Second World War proved to be a testing period in Rooibos tea’s history as the Western Hemisphere turned to South African tea while the Asian continent lay in turmoil. As Imperialist Japanese forces continued to occupy many tea producing regions to the East, Red Tea became an excellent alternative with exports reaching an all-time high.

This resulted in many problems as retailers were confronted with shockingly high prices due to the plant scarcity. As the demand far surpassed the availability, many consumers found it still relatively difficult to buy and enjoy Rooibos Leaves during this period.

Balance was eventually restored after the war's conclusion, with the history of this now-acclaimed beverage taking an incredible turn 20 years later. In 1968, a South African mother by the name of Annique Theron published a book on the incredible Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea. 

After the book was release, hundreds of scientific studies were conducted to back her claims, resulting in a countless number of discoveries associated with the consumption of this wonder-brew! Now in her 80's, Dr. Theron still plays a vital role in the future of Rooibos tea.

In fact, in a 2009 interview, she said: “It was a long but delightful journey. And I'm so happy that I could've been the instrument to have achieved that. We here at the Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company are eternally grateful for everything Dr. Theron has done, and continues to do with Rooibos tea!

Useful Information 

Type of Tea: Loose Leaf Rooibos

Origin: The Cederberg Region, South Africa.

Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 5 to 10 minutes.

How to Serve: Rooibos tea is, without a doubt, a truly delicious and refreshing blend consumed as it is. If you prefer to add some extra flavour however, consider using lemon or honey for a sweeter and bolder taste.

Tasting Notes: Red Bush tea is widely recognised for its rich earthy flavours with slight woody and nutty undertones.

Colour in Cup: Ruby colour, dark in tone.

Health Benefits of Rooibos Tea

Since Dr. Theron's acclaimed publication almost 50 years ago, advancements in Modern Science have elevated Rooibos tea, name to become one of the most beneficial beverages currently on the market.

While studies continue to be conducted on a yearly basis, Rooibos Tea Benefits has been associated with aiding headaches, insomnia, asthma, eczema, bone weakness, hypertension, allergies and even premature aging!

Further to this, Rooibos is rich in many minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese, zinc, magnesium, and alpha hydroxy acid.

It likewise contains high levels of antioxidants, like Nothofagin and Aspalathin, which help the body combat free radicals, as well as improving cardiovascular health and even reducing the risk of Diabetes! If that wasn't enough Rooibos tea is caffeine free!