Rooibus Teas – Beautiful Color, Delicious Flavor

by Mary Koselke of blackbird café rooibus-tea

Trying to offer a large variety of teas, blackbird café has begun serving red teas, or rooibus teas. Rooibus teas (pronounced roy’-bus) have gained in popularity a great deal over the past few years. Native of South Africa, rooibus teas are not really tea leaves at all. Instead, it is part of the legume family. This plant makes a gorgeous red colored tea that is naturally slightly sweet and a bit nutty in flavor. It is naturally non-caffeinated, is low in tannins and is believed to contain high levels of anti-oxidants. Rooibus teas are also reported to act as a mild relaxant, much like chamomile tea, which may help to lull people to sleep. In addition, rooibus teas are help settle stomachs, relieve heartburn, cramps and constipation.

blackbird café currently has 2 varieties of rooibus teas – south african honeybush vanilla and lemon chiffon. The first is a warm, sweet flavor, while the later is a fresh and bright flavor. I also found a great recipe for rooibus chai, which I’ve included below.

To brew rooibus tea, use boiling water and allow the tea to steep for 5 to 8 minutes.

Rooibus teas are different and complex flavors. If you are looking for something new to try, you will not be disappointed.

Ingredients

  1. 4 cups water
  2. 2/3 cup whole milk
  3. 2 cinnamon sticks
  4. 2 teaspoons cardamom pods, lightly crushed
  5. 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  6. 2 quarter-size slices of fresh ginger, lightly smashed
  7. 1/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  8. 2 tablespoons sugar
  9. 2 tablespoons loose rooibus tea

Directions

  1. Combine all of the ingredients in a large saucepan and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Reduce the heat to moderately low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pale rust colored, about 20 minutes. Strain the chai through a fine sieve and serve hot.
  2. One serving Calories 49 kcal, Total Fat 1.3 gm, Saturated Fat .8 gm

Food and Wine Magazine – Jan 2002