Every once in a while I find a food or drink that I become obsessed with….and it happened again last week! Ice green rooibos has been drunk by the quart by yours truly almost everyday. It has a light, herby taste. It reminds us a little of a light green tea without any of the bitterness. I like it’s more gentle flavor in comparison to green teas and it has much higher anti-oxidant levels to boot! I have been enjoying mine lightly sweetened and iced. The perfect cooling drink on a hot day!
The difference between red and green rooibos is that green rooibos is not fermented. Green rooibos is lighter in flavor and is higher in anti-oxidants.
Listen to this description from Mountain Rose Herbs (which is where my green rooibos came from). This description was on the page for both red and green rooibos.
“Modern medical institutes and, most notably Japan have taken quick notice of the medical benefits of consuming this beverage and have amassed findings on Rooibos including anti-viral, anti-spasmodic and anti-allergic properties. They have also found that Rooibos is over 50 times more active in anti-oxidant properties then green tea! This is good news for a lot of green tea drinkers especially because of the low price of Rooibos, it makes a wonderful economical alternative.
Rooibos is caffeine free, rich in naturally occurring trace elements, and contains healthy amounts of Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Fluoride, Manganese, Zinc, Calcium, and Vitamin C. It also contains fair amounts of alpha-hydroxy acid, which is known to promote healthy skin. This is truly an amazing plant that is just starting to make its way into western culture from its mountain peak home of South Africa.”
Here is how I make my iced rooibos.
- 2 tablespoons of green rooibos tea leaves
1 quart of water
honey or stevia to taste
In a warmed mason jar or french press, add two tablespoons of tea leaves. Pour hot water over the tea leaves and steep for 5-10 minutes. Press the tea leaves, or strain through a fine sieve if using the mason jar. Add stevia or honey to taste (start with 1-2 tablespoons or honey) and then pour over ice filled glasses. Give a vigorous stir and add more ice if needed. Adjust sweetness to taste and enjoy!
Ahhhh…the simple pleasures of life!