What is rooibos?
Did you know? A rooibos-based infusion can be recognized at first glance. How? Thanks to its fine, cut needles. Indeed, rooibos ("red bush" in Afrikaans) is a shrub of the acacia family, whose tiny leaves resemble pine needles. Reaching one to two metres in height, this characteristic bush only grows in South Africa, the only country with soil suited to its cultivation. Rooibos is harvested from January to March—the height of summer in this hemisphere! Its leaves are then spread out in the open air, sprayed with water, and dried in the sun. Once infused, it takes on a magnificent magenta colour, close to that of hibiscus. In some Western countries, it is also called "red tea". Wrongly so! Because it is not a tea, but an herbal infusion. Rooibos may be called red tea, but it is naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins. Speaking of which, how do you drink red rooibos?
How to drink red rooibos?
Rooibos infusion is just as delicious hot as it is iced. Some will prefer a plain rooibos herbal tea, enhanced with citrus zest or cinnamon, while others will opt for fruity or spicy blends for variety. In South Africa, where it is the flagship infusion, rooibos is often enjoyed with a splash of milk and a little sugar. You can let it steep to your liking, for up to ten minutes. Why? Because the absence of tannins ensures a non-astringent flavour. It will not be bitter either. Rooibos also makes its way into dishes such as crêpes, financiers, or semolina cakes.
For a touch of originality, organic rooibos can also be used in cooking. Our organic almond rooibos can be enjoyed as ice cream. Discover the recipe for Almond & Honey Rooibos Ice Cream by Meg and Cook.
Why choose rooibos: what are the benefits of rooibos?
The benefits of organic rooibos are well known. Rooibos infusion can be enjoyed at any time of day by the whole family, with both young and old loving its sweet, nutty flavour. Indulgent, it is perfect for finishing a meal on a sweet note: try, for example, our organic almond rooibos or our organic vanilla rooibos infusion. Enjoying the benefits of rooibos is pure indulgence with Kusmi.
In the evening, enjoying an organic rooibos can promote restful sleep. That is why you can find organic rooibos in our organic infusions Lovely Night and Feel Zen.
Finally, organic rooibos is said to contain good antioxidants that help fight cellular ageing. So many benefits that make us want to pour ourselves a cup of rooibos infusion every day.
How to choose rooibos?
A good rooibos brew first requires choosing a quality ingredient. That is the basis of the recipe.
WHAT IS QUALITY ROOIBOS?
The characteristics of the African bush's leaves depend on many factors: soil quality, weather, humidity, harvesting method, storage system… The taste and intensity of a rooibos infusion therefore result from various parameters. A good rooibos is said to be recognized by its notes of honey, wood, spices, and caramel. A hazelnut or chestnut flavour is another good indicator. Finally, an exceptional red tea has little to no astringency. Everyone's tastes vary, of course, and you have to taste them to make up your own mind. The liquor of this African beverage can also be appreciated visually: a quality red rooibos will generally reveal a deep orange colour when brewed. Would you like to discover fine red teas for yourself? Then explore without delay Kusmi’s delicious organic rooibos blends. At Kusmi, all our rooibos are organic and flavoured with natural flavourings.
Now you have every reason to taste "red tea" and succumb to its delights.