Leading up to International Tea Day on May 21, we’re highlighting teas and tea customs from around the world. We’re honoring this holiday because of all the great things tea does for humanity and nature:
- Tea requires far less water and chemicals than coffee. A Dutch study found a cup of tea only requires 34 liters of water to produce, while a cup of coffee requires 140 liters.
- Tea offers small farmers a chance to earn a living. Of the 13 million people employed in tea production, 9 million are smallholder farmers.
- Tea offers numerous potential health benefits, including boosting immunity, increasing cognition, and protecting against viruses.
Today we’re celebrating the great and powerful Rooibos.
Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) or Red Bush Tea doesn’t actually come from the tea plant. It’s made using leaves from Aspalathus linearis, a shrub that is usually grown on the western coast of South Africa. The leaves are fermented and provide a natural sweetness, as well as quite a few health benefits.
- Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants aspalathin and nothofagin, which may help treat diabetic complications.
- It’s naturally caffeine-free, so it’s great for kids and people sensitive to caffeine.
- Rooibos tea also contains flavonoids, which may lower the risk of coronary heart disease.
Keep an eye out for the next tea in our series: Japanese green tea.
