Red tea, also known as rooibos tea, is a flavorful and caffeine-free herbal tea that has become quite popular in recent years. But what exactly is red tea made from and what are its key ingredients? Here we take a closer look at everything that goes into making this distinctive ruby-hued brew.
What Plant is Red Tea Made From?
Red tea comes from the leaves and stems of the Aspalathus linearis plant. This shrub, which is a member of the legume family, is native to South Africa and gets its common name rooibos (meaning “red bush”) from the coppery red color of its leaves and stems when they are oxidized. The Aspalathus linearis plant grows exclusively in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa’s Western Cape province.
Other Names for Rooibos
In addition to red tea or rooibos, this herbal tea may also be referred to as African red tea, red bush tea, or South African red tea. The name reflects its reddish color when processed as well as its African origins.
How is Red Tea Produced?
Red tea is made using a process that is similar to green and black teas. The process involves harvesting, bruising, oxidizing, and drying the leaves and stems of the Aspalathus linearis plant. Here are the basic steps:
- The leaves and stems of the rooibos plant are harvested by hand.
- The plant material is bruised and left to oxidize, turning the green leaves a rich red color.
- The oxidized leaves are then dried in the sun.
- The dried leaves are cut, sifted, and packaged as loose leaf tea or tea bags.
This process produces the distinctive reddish-brown color and smooth, sweet taste that red tea is known for. The level of oxidation determines whether the finished tea is more red or brown in color.
Active Compounds in Red Tea
The Aspalathus linearis plant contains a number of active compounds that are believed to contribute to the potential health benefits of drinking red tea. Some key substances found in rooibos tea include:
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are micronutrients packed with antioxidants. Rooibos contains many phenolic compounds, including aspalathin and nothofagin. These polyphenols act as antioxidants in the body to help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.
Flavonoids
Red tea contains a variety of flavonoids, including orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, and isovitexin. Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that may play a role in reducing inflammation.
Minerals
Rooibos provides minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. These minerals are necessary for bone health, red blood cell production, immune function, and other biological processes.
Nutrition Facts for Red Tea
Here is the nutritional profile of red tea in a typical 8 ounce (240 ml) serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 0 |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Carbohydrates | 0 g |
| Vitamin C | 0.3 mg |
| Calcium | 2 mg |
| Iron | 0.2 mg |
| Magnesium | 2 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
As you can see, red tea is very low in calories and free of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. It also contains trace amounts of several vitamins and minerals.
Potential Health Benefits
Research suggests that regularly drinking red tea may provide various health benefits, including:
Rich in Antioxidants
The polyphenols and flavonoids in rooibos serve as antioxidants that may help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals. This antioxidant effect could offer protection against various diseases.
Supports Heart Health
Some research indicates that the flavonoids in red tea may help improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure. The antioxidants may also help inhibit LDL cholesterol oxidation, which may support cardiovascular health.
Anti-inflammatory Effects
Aspalathin and nothofagin, two unique antioxidants in rooibos, have been shown to help suppress inflammation. Chronic inflammation plays a role in many common western diseases.
May Aid Blood Sugar Control
Animal and lab studies suggest that aspalathin, a polyphenol only found in rooibos tea, may help improve insulin secretion and glucose uptake by muscles and tissues. This effect may result in better blood sugar control.
Supports Healthy Bones
Red tea is a source of calcium, manganese, and fluoride. These minerals are important for building and maintaining strong bones. Rooibos may help improve bone mineral density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
May Boost Immunity
Rooibos contains zinc, iron, and antioxidants like vitamin C that may help support the immune system. It has long been used in South African traditional medicine to treat allergies and boost immunity.
Promotes Healthy Skin
The antioxidants in red tea may help protect skin cells against damage from free radicals that can accelerate aging. Applying red tea directly to the skin may also soothe various skin conditions.
Is Red Tea Safe?
Rooibos tea is generally considered very safe. Many of the studies done so far have not reported any major side effects. Unlike black and green teas, red tea does not contain any caffeine or oxalic acid. People with kidney stones should keep oxalate intake low.
However, red tea does contain tannins. While tannins are harmless in moderate amounts, drinking an excessive quantity may cause nausea, stomach upset, or constipation in some people. As with any herbal supplement, it’s best to use rooibos tea in moderation.
How to Brew Red Tea
Red tea is easy to prepare at home. Here is a simple recipe to brew a cup of rooibos tea:
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon (2 grams) of loose leaf red tea
- 8 ounces (240ml) of fresh boiling water
Instructions
- Place the loose tea into a teapot or infuser.
- Pour the boiling water over the tea leaves and let steep for 5-7 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a cup.
- Sweeten with honey or lemon if desired.
- Enjoy the refreshing tea hot or iced!
Play around with different steeping times and tea amounts until you find your perfect cup. Many people prefer to drink red tea without any sweeteners to enjoy the subtle, fruity taste.
Types of Red Tea
There are a few main varieties of rooibos tea to choose from:
Traditional Red Tea
This is the standard red tea, made by partially oxidizing the Aspalathus linearis leaves to turn them a rich reddish-brown. It has an earthy, herbaceous taste.
Green Rooibos
Green rooibos is less oxidized so it retains a more grassy, green taste. It has lower levels of antioxidants than traditional red rooibos.
Flavored Red Tea
Rooibos can be flavored with different fruits, flowers, spices, and herbs to make flavored blends like chai rooibos, lemon rooibos, or red tea with hints of vanilla and almond. Flavors add variety but don’t boost health benefits.
How to Store Red Tea
To retain the best flavor and health benefits follow these tips for storing red tea:
- Keep tea sealed in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture.
- Store in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard; avoid the refrigerator.
- Use loose leaf within 1 year and tea bags within 2 years.
- Keep flavored tea 3-6 months as the flavors dissipate over time.
Conclusion
Red tea is an energizing drink free of caffeine and oxalic acid. The oxidized leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant give it a signature ruby red color and a smooth, slightly sweet taste. It contains a wealth of antioxidants, including unique polyphenols like aspalathin, that may offer an array of potential wellness benefits. Drinking 2-3 cups of rooibos tea per day is an easy way to hydrate and increase your intake of antioxidants.