Africa
From £8.20
Rooibos, or Red Bush tea, comes from the South African shrub Aspalathus linearis. The Khoisan people have used this remarkable plant for many centuries for its medicinal properties as well as for its mellow, sweet, refreshing flavour.
Rooibos is distinctly red in colour, with a soft, mellow aroma and a smooth, sweet, pleasant, calming flavour. This exceptional blend contains Natural Oil of Bergamot for a deliciously different Earl Grey style Rooibos.
The healing properties claimed for Rooibos are many. It is naturally completely caffeine-free, so is ideal for drinking in the evening. It is also believed to contain up to 50 times the antioxidant properties of green tea. It is used medicinally to treat stomach upsets, skin complaints, insomnia and allergies.
From £8.25
Green Rooibos has a fresh, mild taste reminiscent of green tea. It is higher in antioxidants than normal Rooibos.
Green Rooibos comes from the same plant as normal, "fermented" Rooibos. The difference is in the processing.
Usually, Rooibos is bruised, cut and crushed, and then allowed to "ferment" or oxidise in the sun. The enzymes naturally present in the needle-like leaves react with the air and produce the familiar red colour. Green Rooibos, like green tea, does not undergo this process and is dried without fermentation taking place.
As a result, it retains its natural light green/tan colour and its grassy flavour. It is a refreshing, pleasant drink, which is cleansing and healthy.