I’ve recently been really digging the Starbucks TAZO vanilla rooibos tea. I needed a decaf tea when I went to the store and I wasn’t in the mood to get my usual Refresh. I asked what other decaf teas they had and vanilla rooibos was one of them. I decided on it. I’ve been in love ever since. This brings me to this post – I don’t know anything about Rooibos tea, so I thought it’s a perfect opportunity to learn a bit more about the tea and share what I’ve learned with you guys as well!
What is rooibos tea? Sometimes it is called red tea, bush tea, or redbush tea. The herbal tea made from rooibos has been a popular drink in Southern Africa for generations. The plant, Aspalathus linearis, is grown only in a small area in the Western Cape province of South Africa, but during recent years rooibos has become popular in other parts of the world as well. Though not technically a tea, the infusion made from oxidised rooibos leaves is commonly referred to as rooibos tea.Nutritional facts about Rooibos tea:
- naturally caffeine-free
- high level of antioxidants
- low tanninlevels (substances present in the seeds and stems of grapes, the bark of some trees, and tea leaves. They are described as interfering with digestive processes, and until
Photo: Wikipedia
more effective synthetics were found, were used to tan animal hides and turn them into leather.)
- contains a number of phenolic compounds (additional antioxidant activity)
- cancer fighting benefits of the various types of antioxidants present
- may lower blood pressure
- may help with diabetes
- improves glucose tolerance
- aids in liver tissue regeneration after intoxication (good hangover tea, eh?)
- rooibos tea extract may improve immune defects such as HIV
- prevents DNA damage
- may help prevent/lessen brain damage caused by aging
It’s nice to drink rooibos tea then, as it may help with some aging damage which is especially beneficial to older adults. Plus it tastes delicious. Or at least the Starbucks TAZO vanilla rooibos tea does. I’m gonna have to get myself a box of the tea bags for home!Winner of the nimble energy bars/QuickieChick giftset giveaway has been announced. Check if you’re the winner, here.
Great information! I never knew anything about Roobios Teas. I just got back from Starbucks, I should of read your post then. The Vanilla Roobios teas sounds good! I got an ice coffee with sugar free vanilla syrup and 1/4 cup non-fat milk!
Love this, I always drink Roobios but never knew anything about it! Now I do, thanks!
Glad I could help
I LOVE rooibos, it’s probably my favourite. I’ve tried tons of flavours and haven’t found one I’ve disliked yet! It tooks me ages to learn how to say it properly, lol.
Haha really! I have to try new flavors still but I’m sure I’ll love it
Good Post … I tried Rooibos a few months ago and found it a little strong with a flavour very reminiscent of a pile of leaves in the autumn. A week ago, my wife cam back from the store with a blend of Rooibos and various berries and it is excellent. I think I will buy the plain Rooibos again and try my own blends.
Yes, I find that with many teas, if they don’t taste good on their own it’s nice to be able to make the blend you like. I think it’s a matter of getting used to the plain flavor as well. For example, I drink green tea plain with no sugars or anything simply because I’m used to the taste but I know a lot of people that find it too bitter. It’s nice that it’s possible to mix and match flavor additives using other herbs and flowers and fruit to make the perfect drink for you