Revealing Rooibos!

Addicted to Rooibos yet?  You might be after reading this… Welcome to Revealing Rooibos! 

Rooibos (or red-bush) is a bush in South Africa and not actually a type of tea.  This wonderful ‘Revealing Rooibos’ blog will share with you the wonders of Red Bush.  Many generations in South Africa consumed Rooibos before it became popular world wide.  It is normally grown in Cedarberg which is a little mountainous region in the Western cape province of South Africa.  Did you know that Rooibos is not always red?  In fact, green Rooibos is found in more tea blends!  

Red Rooibos vs. Green Rooibos  

Rooibos changes depending on the way it is processed, much like tea from the Camellia Sinensis plant.  Green Rooibos is not oxidized and demands a more complex production process.  Which by consequence, makes it harder to find and more expensive to purchase.  It is produced in a similar way to green tea and has a slightly grassy, malty flavour.  Whereas, Red Rooibos is oxidized.  Consequently, this process gives the Rooibos its rich red colour and flavour.  Just like tea, Rooibos also goes through a grading process.  Therefore, the higher the leaf content, the better the Rooibos is expected to taste.  High-grade Rooibos may never see the local market in South Africa as it has a huge export market in Europe, with Germany being a major buyer.  

Let’s talk the benefits of drinking Rooibos…  

Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free which makes it a great night time drink.  As a result, we certainly love it while relaxing and reading in the evening!  Researchers have found that Rooibos has lower levels of tannin’s (they can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients like iron) and that it is high in antioxidants.  Therefore, it is even said that it may help improve the condition of our skin, hair and nails!  Yes, you heard that right!  Our Rooibos blends are delicious as iced tea or cold brew.  And of course, with summer around the corner, we no longer need an excuse!   

Rooibos vs Climate Change  

With a rich history,  Rooibos is an important part of the South African economy.  Just like many things on our planet, Rooibos is affected by climate change.  South Africa is experiencing more frequent flooding, water shortages and increasing temperatures.  It does cause concern for the Rooibos plant as it is endemic (meaning it is native to a small area in the western cape).  Sadly, scientists speculate that climate change could threaten the survival of the Rooibos plant due to the rising temperatures and more extreme weather.  The plant might end up extinct within the next century.   

We will find you the perfect match!  

We hope our ‘Revealing Rooibos’ has certainly peaked your interest and provided you more insight!  There is a delicious range of blends for you to pick from, so why not try out one of them as listed below?  We know, it is a difficult choice!…  

• Big Red Rooibos is a pure premium grade Rooibos.  It has a soft, but at the same time tart flavour, with top notes of orange and dried hay.  
• Chilli Rooibos is full of spice.  The Chilli highlights are built on a base of classic Rooibos tea and wild cherries, rosebuds, safflower petals, peony petals and carrot flakes.  This blend has a serious attitude. 
• Blueberry Rooibos is a bright fresh fruity Rooibos. Perfect as a cold brew or to warm you up before bed.  It is a blend of high quality Rooibos with blueberry, elderberry, raisin, apple, cornflowers and hibiscus.  
• Our Limited Edition African Sunset Rooibos is spring in a cup.  We put together a blend of green Rooibos with Sea Buckthorn peels,  pineapple, guava, carrot, sunflower blossoms, choke berry pomace and marigold blossoms.  It will make you feel like the sun is shining on your face.  

You can find all of our Rooibos blends online, in our Concept Store or in our Tea Room. 

Moreover, make sure to follow us on our social media channels, @eteaket.  

Eteaket xx