Rooibos : The rooibos (word meaning “reddish bush in Afrikaans”, pronounced “roï-boss”), is a shrub (family of Fabaceae - Botanical name: Linear aspalathus) belonging to the same order as the acacia trees. It grows exclusively in South Africa in the Cederberg Mountains, located north of Cape Town. Attempts to cultivate rooibos have been made in other countries with similar climates, without success. It seems that the shrub needs a very specific climate and soil to grow.
He is best known for theinfusion made of thin, lightly fermented pieces, which earned it its name " tea red” (while rooibos and tea plant are not related plants; rooibos does not contain theine).
In South Africa, it is usually drunk with milk and sucre, but it is usually served "plain" everywhere else. Its flavor is rather sweet (even without added sugar) and has a slight taste de hazelnut. The preparation of rooibos is about the same as that of Ceylon tea with the only difference that it must be left to infuse a little longer. The infusion then has a red-brown color.
Rooibos is increasingly popular in Western countries, especially among health-conscious consumers. In addition, its low content of tannins (substances responsible for taste astringent tea) allows it to attract consumers who are usually refractory to teas classics, more full-bodied.
It can be drunk "plain" but you can also add other flavors. It is often associated with flavors fruity (Orange, apple…) and/or spicy.
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