Berry Confection

Grown only in South Africa’s Western Cape province, Rooibos is a botanical rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Although it is brewed like tea, Rooibos does not actually contain any portion of the tea plant and is often mistakenly referred to as “red tea”.  It’s naturally sweet with notes of honey and caramel and contains no caffeine.

Rooibos is often used as the base for dessert teas because its unique flavor lends itself well to blending with sweet ingredients. Pair Berry Confection with a fruit tartlet during afternoon tea or drink it with a mixed berry cobbler during an after dinner dessert course.

South Africans have been drinking Rooibos for centuries, often with milk and sugar, but it is only recently that Rooibos has been consumed so vigorously outside of Africa.  Rooibos is becoming increasingly popular in the United States due to its mild flavor and purported health benefits.  Not only does it contain a high concentration of antioxidants, but several new scientific studies have linked Rooibos to the relief of allergy symptoms and to helping aid digestion. Rooibos is an Afrikaans word meaning “red bush”.  Interestingly, the live bush is actually green. It is the drying and oxidation process that slowly turns the harvested leaves a deep red color.

Author Alexander McCall Smith’s beloved character Mma Precious Ramotswe, featured in his No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, is often described drinking bush tea.  Bush tea is another name for Rooibos.  The series takes place in Botswana where Rooibos has been popular for generations.

We recommend steeping Berry Confection for 5 minutes at 208°.  Because Rooibos does not contain any portion of the tea plant, it is less prone to bitterness and, therefore, difficult to over-steep.

Ingredients: Fair Trade Organic Rooibos, hibiscus, currants, white chocolate, flavoring.