Rooibos Tea ~
Also known as red tea, rooibos pairs bold, vibrant color with subtle, smooth taste. This non-caffeinated herbal tea is packed with antioxidants.
Hailing from the mountains of South Africa, rooibos is made using leaves from the Aspalathus linearis shrub. When the leaves are fermented, they turn a hearty red color, giving the tea its beautiful hue.
This delicate herbal variety has a natural sweetness and warm aroma. Savor it on its own, with milk and sugar, or in a latte.
Rooibos Tea is sometimes known as the red tea or redbush tea. The leaves undergo an oxidation process, and this process produces the distinctive reddish-brown color of Rooibos, and enhances the flavor. It is is commonly prepared in the same manner as black tea, and milk and sugar (or stevia) can be added to taste. Other methods include a slice of lemon and using honey instead of sugar to sweeten. It tastes great both hot and as an iced tea. Caffeine-Free.
Ingredients:
Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis)
Brewing Instructions:
There are two different methods for brewing herbal teas: Infusions & Decoctions.
Infusions are teas made from the leaves, flowers and other light plant materials.
Decoctions are brewed from the bark, root, twigs, berries and seeds. Following are brewing directions for both:
- Tea Infusion - (Infusion = Tea made from leaves, flowers and light material)
Put 1-2 teaspoons of herbs into a brewing utensil of your choice and place in a 6-8 oz size cup. Add 6-8 oz of boiling water and allow to steep for up to 3-5 minutes. Increase the quantity of material accordingly if using a teapot. For a stronger medicinal steep increase the amount of herbs up to 1 tbsp. Will keep refrigerated for 24 hours. Herbal Teas taste great warm or iced!
- Tea Decoction - (Decoction = Tea made from bark, roots, seeds, twigs and berries)
Put 1-3 tablespoons of cut herb, seed, root, bark, etc into a pot of 16-32 oz of water and allow to sit in cool water for at least 5-10 minutes. Bring water to a slow boil then turn down to a simmer for 10-30 minutes. The time depends on the strength of tea that you enjoy. Strain and drink. Will keep for approximately 72 hours if kept refrigerated.
