Red tea, or rooibos, is a new tea that's hitting the market in force now. Rooibos comes not from the typical tea plant (Camellia sinensis) from which white, green, and black teas come from, but is actually from a broom like legume plant found in South Africa.Rooibos has a very mellow, relaxed and herbal taste. It's low in tannins so it rarely, if ever has a tart or bitterness to it. It's high in antioxidants (more so than green or white tea) and has zero caffeine. Due to it's pliable flavor, it takes well to being mixed for various flavors. Chamomile, rose, fruits, and even chocolate and caramel are mixed into red tea for a variety of subtle and intriguing flavors.
Almond Rocker is a particular favorite of mine. It's red tea blended with bits of almond and linden flowers. The result is a highly aromatic almond tea with hints of summer cherries, and a nutty finish. A tea not really made for breakfast, but great for dessert with a light cake.
It seems to be a bit difficult to find online at the moment, I got mine from Hina's Tea in Sacramento, and I believe they do orders on-line. I've also found it on E-Bay.
It has been a real joy to see how popular rooibos tea is getting overseas.
ReplyDeleteI grew up with this tea and in South Africa it is a very common alternative to regular tea, as you can drink it the same way (with milk and sugar). The other common flavour alternatives are with honey and/or lemon.
It makes a great iced tea and you can also make a tea brack from it (the bread is then a gorgeous light orange colour).
If you can find it your side, try the chocolate flavoured rooibos - it is divine!
Rooibos (literally redbush) is like marmite in South Africa. Two distinct camps Love it vs. hate it. I have always fallen into the Hate it category, which means that I have not tried it for over 20 years. I'm thinking that as I'm grown up now and my palate has changed, I might just give it another try. I'm such a tea junkie and a bad cup can put me in a bad mood. This almond / berry one sounds right up my street though so you never know. I may just give it a try
ReplyDeleteI love rooibos tea. From Adagio teas, my favorites are Rooibos Vanilla and Rooibos Tropics. Mmmm....
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure I've seen rooibos at Trader Joe's. I've never tried it myself so I can't speak to the quality of the TJ's product.
ReplyDeleteI had a wonderful cup of rooibos tea this morning with milk and sugar. It was delicious, but I do need a bit of caffiene to get started. Next time I'll stick to masala chai.
ReplyDeleteI don't believe this! I was literally just at the market looking at red tea and wondering what it tasted like. Now I wish I'd bought it! Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteoh, I love rooibos. I tried it for the first time kind of by accident here in Seattle, at a place called Victrola coffee...and was rewarded! I've been a fan ever since, so it's nice to see it getting some recognition!
ReplyDeleteRegular, unenhanced Rooibos was available at the Davis Food Coop last year, and so probably still is. No suggestions on the performance enhancing herbs that Garrett's tea is taking but it is easily available for those locals who want to doctor their own. - Jeff F
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