Rooibos only grows in the Cedarberg Mountains of the Western Cape of Good Hope in South Africa. Though it has been popular with the native South Africans for hundreds of years, it took until early in the last century before the delicious infusion conquered the taste buds of tea drinkers in the Western World. In South Africa it is served with milk and sugar, but here, it is more common to drink it straight and enjoy its slightly earthy and sweet flavor. It is cultivated and processed locally coming in both a fully oxidized for and a "green" form that is only lightly oxidized. The entire plant is used in making the beverage and the processing steps Rooibos' cousin "Honeybush" (cyclopia intermedia) grows on the eastern Cape and is currently wildcrafted, that is, it is not cultivated.
Next to its great flavor, Rooibos is gaining in popularity because of its reported health benefits. While western science is still busily trying to confirm the anecdotal evidence, people in Africa, Europe and now also here in the U.S. appreciate the healthy side of this herbal. Best of all, it is naturally caffeine free and therefore ideal for children or those who have to or want to limit their caffeine intake for other reasons.
Rooibos is high in antioxidants but much contains less tannin than black tea (only 10%). It has anti-mutagenic, anti-spasmodic, anti-aging and anti-allergic actions. What does this mean in laymen's terms? Rooibos is relaxing brew that can soothe an upset stomach and nourish your skin. The lack of tannin makes for a smoother taste than tea. Its anti-allergic properties may help to reduce allergic reactions and since it is a decent source for minerals, it is a good hydration source, replacing needed electrolytes.
All that aside, most people just love the taste of Rooibos. Easy to prepare and never bitter, Rooibos tastes great hot or over ice. Flavors like raspberry or tiramisu are frequently added to Rooibos. When purchasing rooibos ask you purveyor about the grade (coarse or long cut is best) and what is used to flavor it. Rooibos that is also sold in Europe is a good bet as the regulations are stricter on what is "natural". Don't let the funny name scare you away... Rooibos is a great beverage no matter how you say it!
Kerstin Wingert is Level III certified by the Specialty Tea Institute of the USA. Kerstin Wingert's passion for tea dates back to her childhood in Germany where tea is a big part of the culture. Prior to Souvia, Kerstin was in international banking where she gained presentation experience with a wide range of international clients. Kerstin has been invited to speak for groups ranging from the World Tea Expo, Channel 8 KAET, Paradise Valley Community College and the American Heart Association. She has been an invited guest on "Sonoran Living", "Good Morning Arizona", "The Pat McMahon Show" and featured in several Arizona Republic Articles.
About Souvia® Tea - Souvia® Tea has Arizona's largest collection of premium loose leaf teas and herbals that can be prepared at home or enjoyed right in its stores. Souvia® Tea is the Phoenix Metro area's award winning source for information on tea through its passionate, knowledgeable staff and regular classes and tastings. Souvia® was recognized as "Best Tearoom" in 2008 and won the coveted Sterling Award in 2007. Souvia has been featured on Good Morning Arizona, Sonoran Living and KPNX's upFront programs. With a contemporary European design that reflects the natural basis of the product offered, Souvia® Tea strives to create an environment that appeals to tea drinkers of all levels. Souvia currently has two Arizona locations in Scottsdale and in Phoenix. For more information please visit http://www.souvia.com
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