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Rooibos Tea: A South African Healthy Alternative

21/6/2020

 
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Rooibos means red bush and this herbal tea is a well-known wonder drink. This healthy plant-based tea comes from the Fabaceae family and has been drunk for hundreds of years. I had a friend who swore by its efficacy as a healthy warm drink and he would consume it day and night. Rooibos does not contain caffeine and has low levels of tannin, which makes it a healthy alternative to traditional tea and coffee. Rooibos tea: A South African healthy alternative for lovers of hot drinks. The thin needle like leaves were traditionally processed by being beaten on rocks with heavy wooden clubs.

Wild Rooibos & the Cederberg, Western Cape Region

Wild rooibos traditionally would grow on the mountains around the Cederberg, Western Cape region and locals would cut the leaves and bring them down in hessian sacks with the aid of donkeys. Rooibos was a cheaper local alternative to the more expensive imported Asian teas. The seed pods must be scarified for germination to take place and Rooibos seeds were at one time the most expensive seeds in the world. Dr Pieter Lefras Nortier is considered to be the father of the Rooibos tea industry in South Africa for his pioneering work in establishing processes necessary for the commercial production of Rooibos.

A Global Favourite with Health-Conscious Consumers

The enjoyable tea-like flavour of Rooibos has seen it become a global favourite with health-conscious consumers around the world. I suppose with so many habitually eaten and drunk things being bad for you it is rare to come across such a healthy alternative. My friend would carry a flask of Rooibos with him at all times and break out a cup whenever he could. Peter would bang on about this South African super drink till the cows came home. I will always remember this red bush tea forever more because of his passion for the stuff. Rooibos tea: A South African healthy alternative that pleased Peter no end. Rooibos tea is available from quality South African grocery stores in Sydney.

Rooibos comes in both fermented and green forms, with the reddish-brown fermented tea the more popular and cheaper. It is generally drunk black with no milk added. Its slightly grassy and malty flavour is popular with its proponents. One would describe it as a light tea in comparison with the tarrier teas traditionally consumed. Peter would tell me how each cup of Rooibos was doing wonders for his health. Its funny what you remember in this life.


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    Author

    Robert Hamilton was born in Vereeniging & attended Springs Boys High School in the 1970s. Now a resident of Mona Vale, North of Sydney, his hobbies include golf, biltong-consumption, tennis and cooking South African cuisine.

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