What is Red Tea aka Rooibos?

What is Rooibus?

Whether you buy your tea at the grocery store or at an exclusive tea room, chances are that you have seen “red tea” or “rooibos tea” (also known as bush tea, or redbush tea) also available for sale.  Rooibos is not a true tea, but is instead a bush that grows in South Africa. Its leaves can be steeped in hot water infuse to a slightly sweet, and decidedly comforting tisane (“tisane” is the tea industry term for “herbal tea”).

Why is it Popular?

• Good rooibos just tastes good: It has a nutty, sweet flavor which is great for curbing cravings.
• It contains low tannin levels, which means that it is easy on the digestive system and that it won’t get bitter if allowed to steep for a long time (great for busy people who might forget to mind their steeping tea).
• It is naturally caffeine free, making it a perfect hot beverage for evenings or for people who need to avoid all caffeine.
• It is high in antioxidants and flavanoids and is calorie-free.
• Rooibos blends well with other flavors:  I’ve had a “lemon chiffon” rooibos that tasted remarkably like lemon pie filling, a chocolate chip mint ice cream rooibos that, even hot, strongly resembled the real thing (and when prepared frozen as a slushie, is utterly divine). Gingerbread rooibos, caramel rooibos, blueberry rooibos. . . the possibilities are endless.

Where to Buy Rooibos:

• Rooibos Available for Sale at Amazon
• TeaGschwendner
• 
• Teavana: Healthy, delicious Teas
• 
• Adagio Teas

You can also find rooibos at most grocery and health food stores, as well as at specialist tea rooms/shops. I plan to do some reviews of rooibos tisanes in the coming months, so keep your eye out for them!

Affiliate links in this post?: Yes.

Tagged as: herbal tea, red tea, Rooibos, tea, tisane