discover the benefit of rooibos tea

If you're anything like us, your first experience with rooibos tea was... well... yuck.  Who cares about the benefit of rooibos tea if the only stuff available at supermarkets in dusty teabags was so revolting? 

To say that this initially put us off rooibos, is an understatement.

It remained that way until we took over the reins from our forebears at "Something's Brewing". The stuff they sold was... well... (surprisingly) very, very good! 😆

So let's dive in and talk about it for a bit, shall we?

Rooibos (pronounced a bit like ROY-BISS), is made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, commonly known as Red Bush Tea, which is only found in South Africa.

Here are just a few reasons why rooibos tea is a great choice for anyone looking to give something different a try.

ROOIBOS: a delicious and healthy choice

First and foremost, rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free. This makes rooibos a great choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it. It also means that you can enjoy a cup of rooibos tea at any time of day without worrying about it affecting your sleep.

Rooibos tea is also a good source of minerals, including iron, zinc and potassium, and is also low in tannins which makes it less astringent than other teas. It has a sweeter, smoother taste that is easy to enjoy. The best rooibos is the whole, long-leaf variety (i.e it is not dust or fannings) - this can make it trickier to find a good one at your average supermarket.

other reasons to try out rooibos tea!

1. Rich in antioxidants: Rooibos tea contains a variety of antioxidants, such as aspalathin and quercetin, which help to combat oxidative stress and protect your cells from damage. Antioxidants are beneficial for overall health and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
   
   
2. Caffeine-free alternative: If you're looking for a warm and comforting beverage without the stimulating effects of caffeine, rooibos tea is an excellent choice. It is naturally caffeine-free, making it suitable for those who are sensitive to caffeine or prefer to avoid it altogether.
   
   
3. Promotes relaxation and better sleep: Rooibos tea is often enjoyed for its soothing and calming properties. It contains a natural compound called chrysoeriol, which has been linked to reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Drinking rooibos tea before bedtime may help you unwind and improve the quality of your sleep.
   
   
4. Supports digestive health: Some research suggests that rooibos tea may have anti-spasmodic properties, which can help relieve digestive issues such as abdominal pain and cramping. It may also aid in reducing inflammation in the gut and promoting healthy digestion.
   
   
5. Potential cardiovascular benefits: Rooibos tea has been studied for its potential cardiovascular benefits. It may help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood circulation and supporting healthy cholesterol levels. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects on cardiovascular health.
   
   
6. Hydration and overall well-being: Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health, and rooibos tea can contribute to your daily fluid intake. It is a flavoursome and refreshing beverage that can be enjoyed hot or cold, providing a pleasant alternative to sugary drinks.

what does rooibos taste like?

The taste of rooibos tea is often described as mild, sweet, and slightly nutty. It has a naturally smooth and earthy flavour with a hint of vanilla or honey-like sweetness although there is no added sugar.

Here are some common descriptions of the taste of rooibos tea provided by rooibos tea enthusiasts:

1. It's smooth: Many people appreciate the smoothness of rooibos tea, which lacks the bitterness and astringency often found in traditional teas.
   
   
2. It's sweet: Rooibos tea has a naturally sweet taste that is often compared to caramel or honey. This natural sweetness makes it enjoyable to drink without the need for added sweeteners.
   
   
3. It's nutty: Some individuals detect a mild nutty flavour in rooibos tea, reminiscent of almonds or hazelnuts. This adds a subtle complexity to the overall taste profile.
   
   
4. It's earthy: The earthy undertones of rooibos tea are often noted, giving it a grounding and comforting quality.
   
   
5. It has subtle herbal notes: While rooibos tea is not as herbal or grassy as some other teas, it may have a gentle herbal character that adds depth to the taste experience.

Do keep in mind that taste preferences can vary from person to person, so while these descriptions are common, individual perceptions of flavour may differ. Some people enjoy rooibos tea as-is, while others may choose to enhance its taste by adding a slice of lemon, a touch of honey, or a splash of milk.

Feel free to experiment and find your preferred way of enjoying rooibos tea!

another benefit of rooibos tea

It is versatile. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, on its own, or blended with other ingredients to create a variety of different flavours. You can add different spices like cinnamon and vanilla, fruits like cranberries or mango, or even chocolate and nuts to create a unique and delicious tea experience.

At Love Loose Leaf Tea we stock a variety of rooibos from unflavoured and organic, through to fruity dessert rooibos and even a popular rooibos chai called, Chai Maasai.

So, for a unique and delicious cuppa that offers a wide range of health benefits, is naturally caffeine-free and is very versatile, you would be making a great choice to add rooibos to your tea chest!

Do you know of another benefit of rooibos tea? Feel free to share your info!

Check our our range of rooibos tea here. We even have a 4-pack sampler (choose your own combinations!) to help you decide your favourite.

My personal favourite is, "DESSERT TIME" rooibos.

have you tried rooibos?
If not, what's holding you back?

join the conversation!