Feeling the heat this summer? Think again, for our very own Rooibos Spicy Chilli Tea brings a whole new meaning to your favourite ‘hot’ brew. This beverage is brimming with floral, fruity notes, infused with the fiery essence of Chilli to create an almighty blend not to be taken without some caution. For those feeling particularly brave, you may consider adding extra Chilies to this Redbush Tea to really spice things up. However, the choice is yours, just be prepared for the intense flavours that have made our Spicy Chilli Rooibos so popular among those adventurous enough to try it! Rooibos Teas Past Long before blazing sensations such as Spicy Chilli Rooibos were created, Redbush tea had humble beginnings with the tribespeople of South Africa. Unique to the Cederberg Region of the Western Cape Province, Rooibos had been consumed for hundreds of years by the Khoisans, one of the many indigenous populations found in this mountainous area. As tribal numbers began to deplete at a rapid rate, it seemed as if Rooibos tea might be lost to the ages. However, in 1772, a Swedish botanist by the name of Carl Thunberg, rediscovered the leaves and revived a more widespread interest in the tea-like drink. Over the course of the next 130 years, Rooibos tea would rise steadily in popularity but, for the most, was unable to break through into the European market on a large scale. This would change in 1904, when a Russian immigrant with ties to tea manufacturing began marketing this beverage as a ‘mountain tea’ – an herbal alternative to green and black teas. Soon, Rooibos was reaching out to new consumers, but its true test was yet to come. During the Second World War, as the Imperialist Japanese forces occupied much of the Asian continent, importing more popular teas such as green and black became increasingly difficult. Thanks to Rooibos Leaf Tea, however, the market had a potential substitute to counter this new dilemma. As the war raged across the world, many suppliers turned to South Africa for their exports. This resulted in the price of Rooibos seeds rising to record highs due to the plant’s scarcity. Soon, the demand was far outreaching the availability, and the Rooibos plant was struggling to keep up with this newfound craze. Thankfully, the Indian market took some of the pressure off the Rooibos tea trade; thus, enabling the Industry to rebalance itself after the war’s conclusion. In 1968, after a slight dip in trading, Rooibos once again rose to fame with the publication of Dr. Annique Theron’s Allergies: An Amazing Discovery. Her book recounted her experiences with Rooibos tea and how it helped her 14-month-old daughter sleep, despite being severely susceptible to a number of different allergies. Soon, Scientific Studies were backing her claims as this relatively unknown herbal tisane became defined by its incredible health benefits. In fact, even today, Dr. Theron’s groundbreaking work has enabled the market to build on her success, with hundreds of blends created to accommodate varying tastes! Spicy Chilli Rooibos is just one such example, and is available here at the Kent and Sussex Tea and Coffee Company! Helpful Information Type of Tea: Flavoured Loose Leaf Rooibos. Origin: The Cederberg Region, South Africa. Ingredients: Rooibos Tea, Rosebuds, Natural Flavouring, Safflower petals, Chilli, Peony petals, Carrot flakes. Brewing Instructions: Brew using freshly boiled water and infuse for 8 to 10 minutes. How to Serve: Want to take the edge off the heat? Consider adding Honey or even lemon to this beverage. Alternatively, for those wishing to obtain the full power of Spicy Chilli Rooibos, serve as it is and take your taste buds for a ride they’ll never forget! Tasting Notes: Don’t be fooled by its floral smell, for this brew packs a punch from the first sip! The very strong kick of spice with hints of orange is perfectly complimented by pepper and clove undertones. These elements all infuse to create a real whirlwind of a brew! Colour in Cup: Ruby liquor, dark in tone. Benefits of Rooibos Spicy Chilli Tea Benefits of Drinking Rooibos: All Rooibos teas are renowned for their outstanding health benefits, with scientific studies conducted every year. Consumed as part of a healthy and active lifestyle, Rooibos Leaves can offer improved cardiovascular and bone health, Antispasmodic properties, and even lower risks of premature aging! Rooibos tea is also said to contain rare nutrients like Quercetin and Bioflavonoids that assist in good blood circulation and obstruct haemorrhaging. Chillies also are very good for the body!
