Rooibos is a South African shrub that has been consumed for centuries in its native country. Its name means “red bush” in Afrikaner.

Scientifically known as “Aspalathus Linearis”, the natives are well aware of its beneficial effects on health and delicious flavour. It was at the beginning of the 20th century (1904) when a Russian immigrant began to cultivate it and market it beyond Africa. Its industrial cultivation did not begin until 1930 when scientific studies were carried out on its properties.

The thorn-like or needle-like leaves are harvested by scraping the plant, these are fermented in piles and then left to dry in the sun, then dried and pasteurized again in industrial complexes. If not fermented, it is called Green Bush.

Among its properties are:

PROPERTY EFFECT

NO CAFFEINE	Prevents insomnia, anxiety and tension.
HIGH CONTENT OF ANTIOXIDANTS	Prevents and fights cancer. Minimizes cholesterol and prevents arteriosclerosis. Slows down the aging process of cells.
ANTISPASMODIC	Helps relieve colic and vomiting.
ANTI-ALLERGENIC	Helps prevent and combat allergies, asthma, eczema and hay fever, both taken or applied to acne, rashes, irritations, insect bites and diaper rash.
DOES NOT CONTAIN OXALIC ACID	It can be taken by people with kidney stones.
DOES NOT CONTAIN PRESERVATIVES OR ADDITIVES	It can be taken without any risk. It also contains no calories.
CONTAINS ESSENTIAL MINERALS	Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Fluoride and Zinc.

How to prepare and serve it?

Put a teaspoon of Rooibos or greenbush in boiling water, let it sit for 3 to 5 minutes to release all its beneficial substances. It has no tannins so it does not get bitter if reheated. It is not recommended to do this in the microwave. It can be strained or even better eaten without any negative effects. You can add milk, sugar, lemon or honey without changing its properties.

Women in South Africa give it (in its pure form) as daily water to their babies, it can also replace plain water to make formula milk, and you can drink it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it increases milk production.

Other recommendations are:

• Substitute water in any recipe and replace it with Rooibos.
• Soak dried fruit overnight in cold Rooibos.
• Use it for marinades on meats (it is a natural tenderizer).
• Use it as a base for soups and sauces.
• Rinsing your hair with it will make it shinier and silkier.
• Putting cotton pads with rooibos on dark circles helps to make them disappear.
• To remove any irritation or itching of the skin, reduce itching.
• To relieve sunburn.
• To bathe your pets and add it to their food.

At EURO TE we have many blends with Rooibos and fruits, nuts and/or flavouring, this does not change its properties.

Learn about all the varieties we have for you by clicking here .

How to preserve it?

Store in airtight containers at room temperature away from sunlight. Its shelf life is 2 to 3 years and storing it in the refrigerator does not extend it.

I hope you enjoy a delicious cup of Rooibos with your family!

Olivia Medina
Tea Master, EURO TEA