The best way to drink your Rooibos this International Tea Day
See how people around the world drink rooibos
This Saturday (21 May), tea lovers around the world will get to relax with a warm cuppa while celebrating International Tea Day.
According to SA Rooibos Council, it Rooibos is a crowd favourite worldwide, and while its origins are in South Africa, each country has its own way of enjoying this delicious tea.
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Spokesperson for the SARC, Adele du Toit, said a study was conducted to explore the different Rooibos tea-drinking traditions.
This is what they found.
How do other nations enjoy Rooibos tea?
‘Those of English descent drink Rooibos with milk and sugar while those from the Eastern nations enjoy rooibos weak, with no sugar or milk.
‘In contrast, the Europeans, who come from a more herbal backgrounds like to infuse Rooibos with more herbs in delicate flavours,’ she said.
‘Americans like their Rooibos mostly cold or iced and use more in-your-face, full-flavoured teas, so Rooibos becomes a carrier.’
The study also showed that the majority South Africans enjoy Rooibos in its purest forms without adding any milk, with only 21% sweetening their drink with sugar, sweetener or honey.
‘Some 20% add a touch of lemon to their Rooibos, 7% spice it up with cinnamon, while 2% of respondents experiment with fruit. Some also said they like adding a tot of whisky or gin for a bit of extra ‘kick’ in their Rooibos,’ she said.
What’s the best way to drink Rooibos?
Du Toit explained that Rooibos’ flavour profile is unique. Although it brews into a cup of intense red, the flavour is very different from black teas.
‘Brew your Rooibos with one or two teaspoons of loose leaves, or one teabag per cup [250ml] of boiling water for at least five minutes,’ she explained.
‘Steeping it for longer will increase the antioxidant content. Pouring boiling water directly on the teabag should be avoided as this is not the best way to get the optimal level of antioxidants from your cup.
‘First, fill your cup with boiling water and then add loose Rooibos leaves or your teabag. Rooibos can then be enjoyed immediately, or stored in the fridge to drink cold.’
She advised consumers to use the flavour wheel to get the best experience from the drink.
‘Start by determining the general taste and aroma of Rooibos – the base notes – by working your way from the outer circle towards the centre.’
‘If it tastes fruity, determine whether it’s more citrussy or berry-like and so on.
‘Choose what you’re familiar with and then experiment with different blends, or create your own Rooibos infusion by adding fruit or spices,’ she explained
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