Rooibos: The Benefits of This Caffeine-Free Drink

Did you know that rooibos is not tea?

Rooibos is an endemic plant native to South Africa. Better known as “red tea”, although this name is actually incorrect, this mysterious plant only grows in the highlands of the Cederberg, around 200 km from Cape Town, and nowhere else in the world.

South Africa’s indigenous populations have been using the leaves and stems of this plant for centuries. Rooibos, or Aspalathus linearis, is a shrub with young branches that are often reddish in colour and needle-like leaves.

It is a shrub that grows to around 1.5 metres tall and is harvested during the first three months of the year. The plants are cut with a sickle or machine approximately 30 cm above the ground. In spring, the rooibos is adorned with yellow flowers.

What is the difference between green rooibos and red rooibos?

Green rooibos does not undergo oxidation. Once harvested and cut, it is dried immediately to prevent any oxidation.

Unlike red rooibos, green rooibos produces a smooth yet more vegetal, fresh and light infusion with a naturally sweet vanilla flavour. It is even richer in antioxidants than red rooibos, making it beneficial for health.

Red rooibos, on the other hand, is obtained through oxidation, a process that can take between 8 and 24 hours. The rooibos is harvested by sickle or machine and must be quickly transported to the “tea court” (where the rooibos is processed) for immediate processing.

The benefits of rooibos

Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of this “red tea”. Rooibos infusions are excellent for your health. Rooibos is naturally rich in antioxidants, which can help with insomnia and digestive issues. It also contains vitamin C and minerals.

1. Its antioxidant properties, beneficial for health.

Rooibos is an excellent natural source of antioxidants that help protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals. This antioxidant action helps slow down the process of cellular ageing.

2. A caffeine-free, low-tannin drink for everyone to enjoy.

As it contains no caffeine, rooibos can be enjoyed at any time of day, including by pregnant women, without affecting sleep or causing nervousness.

Rooibos infusion is low in tannins, compounds responsible for a rather astringent taste that may not appeal to all drink lovers.

3. Rooibos, a soothing drink for digestion

Rooibos is appreciated for its soothing properties and its benefits for digestion. Thanks to its flavonoids, it supports healthy digestion. It also has antispasmodic properties that may help relieve digestive discomfort, such as stomach cramps and abdominal pain.

This plant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a healthy and soothing infusion.

Taking the time to savour a cup of rooibos is to give your mind a moment of gentleness and serenity.
Mary Lou Heiss

How to properly prepare your rooibos infusion?

Rooibos, also known as red tea, is a caffeine-free infusion. Here’s how to prepare your perfect cup of rooibos.

1- Choose your rooibos

Rooibos comes in a variety of flavours. To enjoy the benefits of rooibos while discovering a wide range of delicious varieties, terre d’Oc offers organic rooibos with exquisite, smooth and indulgent flavours. You can choose vanilla rooibos, rooibos with verbena and peppermint, mango passion rooibos... The choice is yours!

Discover the full range of terre d’Oc organic rooibos, sourced through a fair-trade supply chain in South Africa that helps improve the living conditions of producers and their families. The Agency for the Valorisation of Agricultural Products (AVPA) awarded terre d’Oc organic mango passion rooibos a Silver Gourmet Award, an international recognition of teas from around the world, among more than 200 teas submitted from 33 countries.

2. The equipment

Choose your favourite cup or mug. You can also use a fine-mesh metal or paper filter to infuse the rooibos. As the leaves are very fine, using a suitable filter will help prevent any residue from ending up in your cup.

3. The quantity

Add one teaspoon of rooibos to your filter for a standard cup. If you are preparing a teapot, adjust the quantity accordingly.

4. Steeping time

For a perfect infusion, let the rooibos steep for 7 to 10 minutes. Use hot water at around 90°C. The longer it steeps, the more intense the flavour will be. Rooibos infusion has a beautiful reddish-brown colour, with a smooth and subtly vanilla flavour.

5. Other ways to enjoy rooibos

Iced: for a refreshing and hydrating drink, try terre d’Oc iced rooibos, with delicate and unique flavours for a new way to enjoy this infusion.

Let it steep for 1 hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator, then add ice cubes.

It’s a refreshing and soothing drink, perfect for hot days.

With milk and sugar: following the South African tradition, enjoy your rooibos with a little milk and a teaspoon of sugar.

This creates a creamy and comforting combination.

By following these steps, you can fully enjoy the benefits and exquisite flavour of rooibos!

Idée recette au rooibos vanille bubble tea à la mangue

Recipe for 4 servings

• 200 ml water

• 1 tbsp organic vanilla rooibos from terre d’Oc • 80 g white tapioca pearls for bubble tea

• 1 mango

• 200 ml coconut milk

• 1 tbsp liquid honey • a few ice cubes

1. Bring the water to a boil. Remove from the heat, steep the organic terre d’Oc vanilla rooibos for about 10 minutes, then strain.

2. Cook the tapioca pearls in a large quantity of water for 20 minutes. Leave to rest for 20 minutes, drain, then rinse with cold water.

3. Peel the mango and cut it into small pieces. Place the mango pieces in a blender, add the coconut milk, honey and a few ice cubes. Blend until smooth and creamy.

4. Place the tapioca pearls at the bottom of a large glass, add the coconut milk and mango mixture halfway up, then pour in the brewed rooibos to the top.

Mix everything together.

Posted in: News