No, it’s not really tea, but it is a great warm cup of tea-like goodness. So what is rooibos? It’s the dried leaves of an herbaceous plant indigenous to the Cedarsburg region in southern Africa. Lucky for us, it was brought back from near extinction! The plant was long brewed for its health benefits by indigenous peoples of the area, but because it was so difficult to germinate the very hard-hulled seeds (impossible without a dry mountain top on fire to crack open the seeds!), it became more and more difficult to find and virtually impossible to grow in a traditional farm setting. At least until a certain Benjamin Ginsberg came along in 1903. Mr. Ginsberg realized the marketing potential of this good-for-you herb and the road to rooibos was beginning to be paved. Interest in the herb grew exponentially during WWII due to the scarcity of Ceylon tea, but waned again after the war. Its popularity is back in full swing once again thanks to sophisticated research methods that prove its healthy benefits. And those benefits are many!
Rooibos is full of antioxidants to help fight free radicals (a by-product of normal cell function). Then, there’s iron, potassium, magnesium, and copper – all essential minerals for metabolic function. Calcium and manganese are also present in rooibos, and will help build teeth and bone strength. Rooibos is low in tannins and has no oxalic acid, so it’s safe for those with kidney stones.
I have clients who swear rooibos is the only thing to rid them of their migraines, and others whose stomach are soothed. As for me, I use it to calm my mind throughout the day.
So all that being said, I thought I’d share with you some of my rooibos fusions. Please email me at Gathering Home, Craft Current, or message me on facebook if you are interested in purchasing. Thanks!
Rooibos Fusions
First, let me say that rooibos has an incredible smooth honey taste that blends well with so many other herbs and teas. You can barely go wrong with blending or sipping for that matter! In fact, rooibos combinations seem limitless. There’s been more than a few times that I’ve actually told myself to “stop blending, already! ;)
The List:
Pirate (only my best-seller) –is a delicious fusion of rooibos with vanilla and chocolate and a hint of a secret. Pirate tea is a treasure for those who wish to have dessert without calories. (OK. There are a few calories --- like 5, maybe) $8/2oz
Sparkle – rooibos, mint, oatstraw, and some pretty blue cornflowers that sparkle in the blend. $7/2oz
Spice Route Rooibos – a proprietary spice blend combined with rooibos. Warm and soothing. $7/2oz
Stage Light – a favorite among singers and speakers, Stage light offers the soothing benefits of rooibos, artfully blending with lemon verbena, lemon grass, and organic ginger. $8/2oz
