Rooibos!
Greetings tea lovers! Today, I’m going to talk about a Rooibos, or Red Bush, a relative newcomer to the world stage, but whose popularity and reputation is growing day-by day. The history of Rooibos is rooted in the Cedarberg region of South Africa, where indigenous Khoisan bushmen have used leaves from the Aspalathus Linearis plant for centuries as herbal remedies for a variety of ailments, and for their unique taste. The tea may well have been lost to history with the decline of the Khoisan tribes, but a botanist called Carl Humberg came across the leaves in 1772 and created a more widespread interest in the drink. The mantel was then picked up by Benjamin Ginsberg, a Russian immigrant with tea manufacturing links, who marketed the beverage as a herbal alternative called ‘Mountain Tea.’
With the onset of the Second World War, tea importation from Asian countries became virtually impossible, paving the way for Rooibos to become a credible alternative, shipping all over the world. However, due to the high cost of the seeds, retailers were struggling to keep prices down, and the tea was difficult to buy for many people. However, in the late sixties, Rooibos encountered a stroke of luck, or perhaps fate. A South African mother called Annique Theron wrote and published a book on the tea’s health benefits, which led to more studies being carried out, the results of which created an explosion of interest in Rooibos, and a sharp incline in popularity and uptake.
So, what exactly are these health benefits? First of all, Rooibos is caffeine-free, meaning you can enjoy it at any time of the day without worrying about experiencing any crashes, or getting too ‘wired!’ Additionally, each cup is only 2-4 calories, allowing you to enjoy the smoky brew guilt-free, or incorporate it into a weight-loss programme. Its antispasmodic properties also mean that it can soothe abdominal cramps or pain.
Rooibos has also, in some cases, been shown to be good for your skin! It contains alpha hydroxy acid, which studies have shown can help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and the tea’s soothing effect can reduce redness and irritation, further improving skin tone.
Another health benefit is the presence of antioxidants, which stop harmful free radicals from damaging the body’s cells and causing inflammation that has been linked to serious illness. In addition, Rooibos is rich in healthy bioflavonoids, which can block the release of histamines, helping stave off seasonal allergy symptoms!
So, what on earth are you waiting for? Visit our shop now and feast upon our healthy delights! We currently have two Rooibos blends, the first of which is Danish Pastry, a tasty treat straight from the home of Hoogly, warming you up with a chocolate and cinnamon aroma and a subtly delicious pasty taste. This beautiful brew has all the hallmarks of our wonderful ethos: cosiness, relaxation and indulgence!
Secondly, discover Marzipan Rooibos! This delectable delight is infused with almond pieces, mallow flowers and vanilla to create a cup of liquid luxury that exudes the distinctive taste that we all know and love!
Soon we’ll be adding three great new Rooibos teas to our shop: Classic rooibos, Ginger Biscuit and Sweet Orange, offering even more scintillating scents, tantalising tastes, and cosy comfort! So now there are even more reasons to take a Hoogly home!
Written by Chris Bedford
www.hooglytea.com
