Indeed, black tea and green tea may be the more popular teas (and the ones that have been well known for so long). Rooibos tea may not be as well known. However, rooibos tea has many reasons as to why it is intriguing. If you are looking for a fine-tasting drink that equates to coffee but won't trigger your hyperacidity or pump up your insomnia, then this is the one. 

In this article, we'll reveal everything there is to know about the mystifying red rooibos tea. 

What is red rooibos tea?

Rooibos tea is a caffeine-free beverage that is made from the leaves of the unique Aspalathus Linearis shrub. This plant originates and is still being grown in South Africa, particularly in the Cederberg mountains, for more than 300 years. Cederberg is known to be the only area in the world where rooibos and other varieties of fine bush are growing wild. 

Although the best organic rooibos tea is only being grown and produced in South Africa, over time it has been commercially grown and exported throughout the entire world for consumption. Countries like the UK, Germany, Japan, China, and the US are consuming African rooibos tea. It has become widely popular due to its medicinal properties and for being a good alternative for other more popular teas like black tea. Rooibos tea is also often turned into an expresso beverage just like coffee. 

Also dubbed as the "South African rooibos tea" by the tea industry, red rooibos tea is sometimes not considered as "real" tea. It's often perceived as a plant that is being harvested and then brewed into an herbal infusion that has a reddish-brown color. However, it possesses a refreshing taste and an enticing aroma which is common among teas and it also provides various health benefits (we'll be diving into them later). 

What does red rooibos tea taste like? 

Pure rooibos tea possesses a tasteful mix of robust, malty, woody, grassy, and floral flavors combined beautifully with notes of sweet honey, dried cherries, vanilla, and caramel. It can be enjoyed deliciously by itself, but the traditional South African rooibos tea contains a dash of milk or a little bit of sugar or honey to sweeten it up more. It's definitely a drink that's intriguing to the taste buds and will leave you craving for it from time to time.  

What is the process of making the best organic rooibos tea? 

The process of creating pure rooibos red tea starts by cutting off the leaves and stem of the rooibos plant. Next, the leaves and stem are fermented before leaving them outside to dry under the heat of the sun. This is what causes the leaves to have that characteristic reddish-brown color. 

What are the red rooibos tea health benefits?

Like every other tea, there are plenty of red rooibos tea benefits. Drinking it is both enjoyable and good for the body, aids in improving the quality of our everyday life. Check out the following health benefits rooibos tea can give below: 

1. No stimulatory effects

Drinking coffee has become a necessity to some, due to its stimulatory effects. The caffeine in it boosts our energy and keeps us awake. However, drinking this excessively can lead to health complications such as heart palpitations, hyperacidity, and lack of sleep. One of the advantages of rooibos tea is that it can be a good substitute for coffee but without the stimulatory effects of caffeine. This way, you can still enjoy a pure rooibos red tea "expresso" without having to worry about it keeping you awake or feeling your body shake. Recipe down below.

2. Full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties 

When it comes to fighting serious diseases, rooibos tea might be your best ally. The main rooibos tea benefit is being rich in powerful antioxidants and being a source of unique polyphenols like aspalathin. These plant compounds help protect the body from free radical damage that might lead to severe health conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, or even cancer. Another rooibos tea benefit is its anti-inflammatory properties like flavonol, which serves as a support to the cardiovascular system. 

3. Low in tannins 

Tannins are considered to be complex chemical substances that come from phenolic acids. Sadly, a lot of beverages have tannins in them including wine, apple juice, apple cider, grape juice, beer, and also tea. Those who drink tannin-rich beverages sometimes experience digestive problems. Fortunately, you won't be getting any tannins when drinking South African rooibos tea. It's also a better choice for those who prefer a milder-tasting tea. 

4. Good for bone health

Apparently, milk isn’t the only beverage meant for strengthening our bones. One of the health benefits rooibos tea can give is keeping our bones healthy. Research suggests that drinking pure rooibos red tea has beneficial effects on osteoplasts, which are the cells responsible for building bone. This is an indication that red rooibos tea plays a role in building and maintaining our bone strength. 

How to prepare the best organic rooibos tea

Ready to prepare your pure rooibos red tea? Here's how you can do it:

• Scoop 1 to 2 teaspoons of the ground South African rooibos tea and pour it into your cup. 
• Pour 250 ml of water into a pot and let it heat and boil to a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. 
• Add the water into your cup with the South African rooibos tea. Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
• It can only be brewed for one time. Serve and enjoy your South African rooibos tea! 

What are the other recipes for rooibos tea? 

There isn't just one way to create the best organic rooibos tea. In fact, here are other recipes you can turn to depending on your mood: 

1. Red rooibos iced tea 

What if it's a hot day and you want something to drink to help you cool down? By making your red rooibos iced tea, you have a delicious ice-cold beverage that's nutritious for the body!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons of red rooibos tea
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ice cubes 
• (optional) honey or sugar 

Directions: 

• Heat the 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. 
• Pour the 2 tablespoons of red rooibos tea into a cup. Add the boiled water into it. Let it steep for 3 to 5 minutes. If you want a stronger brew, add more tea or let it steep for longer.
• Strain the tea. 
• Add lemon juice and sweeteners like sugar or honey (depending on your taste). 
• Let the tea cool down before adding the ice cubes. 
• Place the rooibos iced tea inside a pitcher or container and then store it in a fridge for best-tasting results. 

2. Pure rooibos red tea latte 

Did you know that rooibos tea can be prepared just like your favorite coffee drink? But without the caffeine of course! Here's how you can turn a simple red rooibos tea into a delicious latte: 

Ingredients:

• 2-3 teaspoons Lattea ground organic red rooibos tea
• Milk 
• Vanilla extract, honey, cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

• Put the organic red rooibos tea inside the saucepan with water. Bring to a boil. 
• Let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes. 
• Froth the milk. You can do it in a saucepan while whisking it continuously. Once the milk is hot, use a handheld frother to turn it into foam. Another method would be using the French press. 
• Pour the organic red rooibos tea mixture into the cup along with the vanilla extract, honey, and cinnamon. 
• Add the foamy milk on top. 
• Enjoy!

What are the side effects of drinking rooibos tea? 

Drinking red rooibos tea is deemed safe in general. Its negative effects happen very rarely but just to be sure, check out the potential side effects of drinking it as follows: 

Increase in liver enzymes 

A particular case study discovered that drinking too much rooibos tea every day can lead to an increase in liver enzymes. This is a possible indication of a liver problem. However, this was considered to be an isolated case. 

Stimulates estrogen

Another research suggests that certain compounds in rooibos tea cause the production of estrogen, the female sex hormone.

 Not good for those with breast cancer

Some sources claim that drinking rooibos tea is not advisable for those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer. However, the effect is considered to be very mild and you would have to consume rooibos tea in large amounts to experience them. 

Is rooibos tea safe to drink during pregnancy?

Due to its characteristics of being caffeine-free and tannin-free, rooibos tea is deemed safe to consume for pregnant women or expectant mothers. It's also filled with many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that provide protection and health benefits to a future mom's body. 

Are you ready to experience the taste of rooibos tea? 

Drinking tea every day helps soothe our minds and bodies. It may help in strengthening and improving our health, therefore allowing us to experience and enjoy life better. Rooibos tea is indeed one of the best types of teas out there. It can be your go-to tea or a substitute for your coffee (if you are trying to quit caffeine but miss the nicer aspects of coffee). Whatever your reason may be for drinking rooibos, the important thing is that it's good for you!