Strawberry Tingle Rooibos

This amazing blend of Rooibos and fresh strawberries was inspired by a visit to the pick-your-own berry farm outside of Capetown in South Africa. Although the country is usually associated with vineyards and grapes, South Africa actually has numerous pick-your-own farms scattered throughout the countryside. On this particular visit a few years ago, our Master Taster decided that he had to have strawberries, and he had to have them right then and there, (Tea Masters can be an eccentric bunch). His host drove him to the Polkadraai Farm Stall, known locally for its amazing crop of strawberries, known as aarbei in Afrikaans. After a day toiling in the hot South African sun, he naturally asked for something to cool him down. You can imagine his surprise when instead of something cool, like lemonade, he was handed a steaming cup of Cederberg district Rooibos tea. His host informed him that the hot drink would raise his internal temperature which would in turn lower his external temperature and make him feel quite comfortable.

Our Master Taster discovered that the technique worked! He also discovered that the mellow flavor of the Rooibos went particularly well with the bushel of strawberries they had collected. Soon the gears started to turn and moments later he knew he had stumbled upon a wonderful idea for a new tea – Strawberry Tingle Rooibos. Brew yourself a pot and discover what he discovered that day at the farm – Rooibos and strawberry create a harmonious match that will truly delight your tastebuds – and, it’s caffeine free! Gesondheid! Amandla! (The two ways to say cheers in South Africa!) Enjoy.

200 ml (about 7 ounces) of brewed Rooibos contains the following nutrients:

Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of rooibos for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.

Iced tea brewing method: (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of rooibos into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the Rooibos. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the Rooibos into the serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.