botanical & herbal teas
Organic South African Rooibos (Red Tea)
Along the arid mountains and plains of South Africa just north of Cape Town rooibos plants are grown. Evergreen shrubs, they are prized for their tea flavor absent any caffeine and a long local tradition of health benefits that supply antioxidants and other anti-aging properties. Also known as Red Tea or Red Bush Tea the cuttings produce a deep reddish brown infusion without any bitterness (rooibos has a very low tannin content and can be brewed for a long period of time with almost no bitterness or astringent aftertaste). Our Rooibos "tea" is grown and processed organically and makes a wonderful hot or iced tea. It also makes a great tea base for other flavored rooibos teas like our Blueberry Rooibos, Ginger Lime Rooibos and Cinnamon Vanilla Rooibos blends.
How to Prepare Rooibos (Red Tea)
Start with cold (filtered, if possible) water and heat to a boil, let cool to approximately 195 degrees, add one generous teaspoon of loose rooibos tea per cup (apprx. 8 ounces). Infuse the tea for 3–5 minutes depending on taste preference. Can be drunk plain or with the addition of milk and sugar according to your preference.
ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: Organic Rooibos. Origin: South Africa.
What about all the health claims being made about Rooibos or Red Tea?
Zen Tara Tea hopes that your first impression of any of our teas (or tisanes) is one of an enjoyable taste experience and a few moments or relaxation while making the time for a cup of tea. Health benefits - they're a good thing, a bonus but we're not ready to reduce drinking tea to taking a "medicine" are we? The summary below is from a very extensive article by the American Botanical Council. We'll let them sum up the overall findings although more recent information has been published that seems to support many of the previously untested health properties of Rooibos:
"Rooibos tea has become popular because of its fruity, sweet taste and its caffeine-free, low tannin, antioxidant-rich status. Although more research is needed, rooibos appears to be safe and free of side effects. The antioxidants present in rooibos may help protect against free radical damage that can lead to cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Unfermented (green) rooibos has a higher amount of polyphenols than traditional fermented rooibos and generally demonstrates higher antioxidant and antimutagenic capabilities in vitro. Future research should reveal whether the antioxidant benefits of rooibos observed in vitro and in animals translates into health benefits for humans*."
*These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The information here is not intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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