Red rooibos tea, green rooibos tea, and flavored rooibos tea are the three main rooibos tea types that are the most sought-after by consumers all over the world. Due to its scarcity compared to black tea or green tea, the range of available rooibos tea varieties is relatively limited. Nonetheless, the extraordinary taste profiles of these exclusive rooibos tea types are bound to leave a lasting impression on any tea enthusiast, ensuring that there is a perfect rooibos tea variant to suit every individual’s palate.
Introduction
Basically, rooibos tea is available in two primary variations: red and green rooibos tea, each produced through distinct processes reminiscent of black tea and green tea respectively. However, in order to cater to a wider range of taste preferences, a third type of rooibos tea has emerged: flavored rooibos tea. While all three rooibos tea types retain the distinctive flavor and beneficial properties of rooibos, the variation in taste promises to offer drinkers a plethora of fascinating experiences.
How many rooibos tea types are there?
Rooibos tea, renowned for its stunning reddish-brown hue and commonly referred to as red tea or red bush tea, not only comes in this vibrant color but also offers a green variation known as green rooibos tea. This version of rooibos tea undergoes a distinct production process, resulting in a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from its red counterpart. Both rooibos tea types are herbal teas which are made from the leaves of Aspalathus linearis. As a result, rooibos tea bears no resemblance or connection to green tea or black tea, which are both derived from the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Originating from a famous herbal plant in South Africa, both green and red rooibos tea types have characteristics of the Aspalathus linearis plant. Not only being free of caffeine, these teas are abundant in potent antioxidants that offer a multitude of health advantages. They are two highly sought-after varieties of rooibos tea that reign supreme in popularity, with red rooibos taking the lead due to the distinct and delightful flavor it acquires through the fermentation process.
How are two rooibos tea types made?
The reason why green and red rooibos tea differ is due to the way they are processed. The production process for two rooibos tea types is similar to the methods employed for making green tea and black tea. Red rooibos tea goes through a process of oxidation or fermentation, whereas green rooibos tea is subjected to heat to prevent fermentation, which helps to preserve its natural green color and original flavor of rooibos leaves.
Rooibos harvest season is typically from late December or early January when rooibos are ripe, which can last until early March. At that time, rooibos were cut by hand with a sickle, tied into bundles, and brought back from the fields. Then, they will go through several separate steps to make red or green rooibos tea.
Red rooibos tea process
As red rooibos tea needs to undergo an oxidation process, the leaves will be sorted and further cut to increase their exposure to oxygen, thereby promoting the oxidation or more correctly enzymatic oxidation. Here, the rooibos will transform from green to amber/reddish brown due to enzymes that trigger a chemical reaction in the polyphenols in the leaves, not only creating a change in color but also a marked increase in aroma and taste. Then, the tea is dried, graded, sieved, and packed in bulk bags for delivery.
Green rooibos tea process
Green rooibos tea is processed differently than red rooibos and the most obvious difference is that it does not undergo the enzymatic oxidation process. After harvest, rooibos will go through a process of heat treatment to hinder the occurrence of oxidation. Subsequently, the green rooibos tea is subjected to machine drying, meticulously sorted, and tightly packed to facilitate proper storage.
Explore the factors that create rooibos tea color:
How do two rooibos tea types taste?
Red rooibos tea stands apart from “true tea” varieties like black tea due to its lower tannin content, resulting in a completely non-astringent and bitter-free experience. It can never be bitter, no matter how long you steep it. This delightful beverage is often praised for its remarkably gentle and smooth flavors, thus rooibos tea is very pleasing to almost all tea enthusiasts.
People describe the mild sweetness of rooibos tea as similar to the flavors of hibiscus tea. Those who have experienced this exquisite tea often depict its taste as a harmonious combination of nutty undertones and a subtle hint of floral essence. Furthermore, when steeping the rooibos for a longer duration, it will boast a full-bodied richness, enhanced by the presence of woody, vanilla, or caramel notes that add a sense of depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Meanwhile, green rooibos tea, unlike its oxidized counterpart, has a lighter green color and imparts a more delicate flavor, closer to the fresh rooibos. This variant has a slightly grassy taste combined with a mild natural sweetness. Having no bitterness or astringency, green rooibos tea is a fantastic choice for those seeking a refreshing and hydrating beverage. It can be savored all day long, providing a delightful and invigorating experience.
What is flavored rooibos tea? A special type of rooibos tea
Flavored rooibos tea is created by blending rooibos tea with a variety of complementary ingredients such as spices, flowers, dried fruits, and herbs. This harmonious fusion elevates the taste profile of this delightful herbal tea, resulting in a more robust and satisfying flavor experience. Rooibos itself possesses a robust flavor that is capable of seamlessly accommodating the inclusion of numerous other components, including chocolate and spices, without compromising its distinctive essence.
There are several common variations of flavored rooibos tea available, such as organic green rooibos infused with pineapple, red rooibos blended with cinnamon and orange peel, etc. These different types of rooibos tea are enhanced with various ingredients, resulting in a diverse range of new and unique flavors. So, if you’re craving a change from the pure and traditional rooibos tea, why not embark on a taste adventure and give these enticing blends a try?
About Future Generation Co., Ltd
Future Generation Company Limited is one of the largest beverage suppliers in Vietnam, with 26 years of experience in production and export. FGC is equipped with modern machines such as Hotfill PET and TetraPak, ensuring high-capacity production. FGC strives to achieve our mission to become Vietnam’s leading healthy beverage company. Our factories also meet international standards such as ISO, HACCP, etc. In addition, we constantly innovate our machinery system, strengthen production capacity, and increase productivity.
FGC also provides Private Label Services. With this service, we can help customers in researching and formulating beverages, designing product label packaging, and creating their own brands. This is an ideal solution for small and medium enterprises. Moreover, FGC provides free samples for customers to test before bulk orders. We also ensure delivery as fast as possible.
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Source:
https://www.klipopmekaar.co.za/rooibos-tea-processing/
https://www.thesilvaspoon.com.au/the-different-types-of-rooibos-tea/