The best cuppa I've ever had (Redbush Tea)

Member Name: AdoraBubble

Product:	Redbush Tea
Date:	01/05/09 (60 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: caffeine free, health properties, incredibly aromatic and tasty

Disadvantages: None

This review is for the red box of tea by the brand Redbush (not to be confused with the other brands that are using the redbush herb in their drinks).

Rooibos (meaning red bush which is where the company get's it's name) is a herb found in South Africa, it's Latin name is Aspalathus Linearis. It has many health giving properties including lowering the risk of some cancers. The products by Redbush are free from preservatives and colourants, can be consumed by vegetarians and are GM free. Most importantly they are naturally caffeine free and low in tannin. Sounds like a perfect cuppa to me.

I have only tried the original variety but the tea bags come in a couple of new flavours:

Lemon: say's it all really. This tea is said to be refreshing and can reset your mind and aid concentration.
Spiced: flavoured with Cardomom and fennel which is said to aid digestion.

I first tried Redbush tea after ordering a selection of samples from their website. I don't really drink tea/coffee due to trying to avoid caffeine whenever possible so these being caffeine free got my attention. There is not sugar added in processing which is an added bonus for those who are watching there weight. It also does not contain Oxalic acid which makes it safe for those suffering with kidney stones.

I have to say it is the most delicious tea ever to pass my lips. When you make a cup (or pot if that's your thing) make sure you give it the standing time it needs (3 to 10 minutes, unlike normal tea this extended steeping does not make the tea bitter) as this gives a much truer and deeper flavour.

This tea is a little bit smoky to my palette which I like and it's gorgeously smooth. I do add sugar but think it would be fine without. You can add milk or lemon if you prefer and can even mix this with fruit juices; it aids the absorbtion of vitamin C.

I can honestly say I will never go back to standard tea. I have tried other teas made from the red bush plant but none even come close to this.

Summary: A delightful, smoky drink whether hot or cold.