Roibos (Aspalathus linearis) a loose tea, which is actually not tea, but it is very healthy

Loose tea is a bit more difficult to prepare than teabags, but they offer better taste. Rooibos is one of the most popular tea-like drink. It is a delicious and natural source of many vitamins, trace elements and it is loaded with antioxidants.

And why should you use it? Well, the first advantage is that it does not contain caffeine, but still has a stimulating effect.

Where did rooibos come from

It is not your typical tea because it is not made from leaves of tea plants. Its closest relative is a shrub called the (Aspalathus linearit) also known as redbush tea.It only grows in the Cape region in South Africa and the rest of the world only had a chance to taste it at the beginning of the last century.

Leaves are not used, but almost the entire above-ground part of the bush, which is chopped into small pieces. These are then fermented or dried under sun.

The fermentation process gives rooibos its typical red colour but there are also green varieties. Green rooibos is not fermented and does not have the typical copper colour.

Photo: Pixabay

Many experts do not classify rooibos as tea, and quite rightly as it is not made from the tea plant. But it is referred to as “special tea” or as a non-tea product.

Benefits of rooibos

Rooibos is a truly exceptional herb with positive effects on our health. It is used all over the world by adults and even by small children – thanks to the fact that it does not contain theine (caffeine), which is a variant of caffeine found in tea.

Thanks to many beneficial substances it is used to fight allergies or skin diseases. It is a great and natural remedy as it helps fight civilization diseases such as stress, anxiety, insomnia or irritation. But that is not all. It improves digestion and strengthens immunity and because it does not contain caffeine, people with high blood pressure or pregnant women can enjoy it too.

The only “downside” is its specific taste, but in addition to pure rooibos, you can get flavoured blends to make the taste “fit” better to our taste buds. Flavoured red rooibos is very popular in teahouses and tea shops. Red rooibos goes well with other fruits and herbs including orange peel, almonds and various spices.

Preview photo: Pixabay

Source: Zázračný nápoj jménem Rooibos | Protext – PR služby ČTK