r-r-r-Rooibos!

Rooibos, a caffeine-free tisane or herbal tea, is growing in popularity in the United States and around the world. The only source of the product is the rooibos plant which grows in a small area north of Capetown, South Africa. Large-scale agricultural production of rooibos began in the 1930s, but there are claims that the bushmen of the area have used it for centuries. Although the rooibos (pronounced "ROY-boss") plant, or "red bush", itself is green, its leaves turn red when fermented.

The health benefits of rooibos are legion. Both fermented (red) and unfermented (green) rooibos have a high antioxidant content which protects against the free radical damage associated with cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Rooibos is said to be helpful in treating insomnia, headaches, hay fever, asthma, and as a general immune system booster. It can also be used as a topical treatment for eczema, rashes, and other skin irritations. Because it does not contain caffeine and has low tannin levels, children can drink rooibos freely and benefit from the vitamins and minerals it contains. Many parents report an easing of colic and stomach cramping after giving their babies a rooibos infusion.

Red or green rooibos may either be unblended, blended with complimentary fruit flavors such as mango or pineapple, or flavored with vanilla or caramel, for example. Rooibos tea can be substituted for water in any recipe such as sweet breads and cakes, as a natural meat tenderizer, or as a soup base. Given its natural sweetness, rooibos tea can be enjoyed hot or cold (or even frozen as sugar-free popsicles!).