Tisane Review: Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea, also called red tea, is from South Africa. The main reason for it being a hot new entry on the tisane (herbal tea) scene is the health benefits attributed to it. I've no idea if those are real or not; I'm more interested in just trying new foods and drinks for their own sake. I'm always excited when it seems a new plant is entering into the general food supply. It is an enrichment of life far beyond finding a new way to package something we've had for a long time.

I'd been told that it is very similar to regular tea without the caffeine. So I bought a box of NOW Brand rooibos tea and I've had two cups so far. The taste is not un-tea like, but it also has a taste of milk or vanilla. Not bad, though I'm not sure if this will become a regular part of my beverage menu. Provided you look around it isn't terribly expensive. If I remember correctly the brand I found was about the same per tea bag as black tea. Not bad for a plant that only grows in one corner of South Africa.