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I ordered ten Tazo African Red Bush tea. Some came with expired sell dates, and the last two boxes were Green Tea.Not the best order I've made with you.
I agree with others in that you should not steep for more than 5 minutes, as it becomes too strong.If you want to try a true red bush tea, try Freshpak Rooibos Tea. This tea blend is very flavorful, but the hibiscus, lemon myrtle, rosemary, and other spices completely overpower the rooibos flavor. It does not have the additional flavors that you see on store shelves. Some people will like the additions Tazo has added to this red bush blend, but you can not taste the real rooibos flavor. This blend does not mix well with cream or milk, but it goes well with sugar. And it goes very well with some cream and sugar/honey.2 stars for not delivering a true red bush tea, because the additions overpower the rooibos. It should have been titled, "Herbal Mix tea with a touch of red bush flavor."
I might add ginger root. It also smells very much like a hutch I bought there. I SWEAR it smells and tastes just like the smell of a Pier One store. My husband sez it tastes like woody potpouri. I think I will buy it again. Don't be a big baby wuss.
Laugh all you want. indistinguishable. Maybe it is a smell of the husks they use to weave baskets sold at Pier One. I am trying to place the smell. Well, if your do this herbal infusion might be for you. I only got on line to see what red bush was and if anyone else thought it reminded them of Pier One. I guess I am alone again.
It is odd, but not offputting, slightly citrusy and all together Pier One. Since it does not remind me of oatmeal cookies or something more delicious than tea, it is a winner. I did a little trial run tonight and really. I JUST smelled it and then took a sip of the tea. Not the best, but not the old humdrum.
Anyway, I bought it as a treat for a little cleansing fast I am about to embark upon. it is unusual and sort of fun. Try it. six, one half dozen or the other.
Rooibos is Afrikaans for "red bush." Grown in South Africa's Cederburg Mountains and harvested during the summer, this tea acquires its unique red color as a result of fermentation (in mounds) and oxidization, when it is spread out to dry in the sunlight; naturally it is green.Rooibos is known for its health benefits stemming from its rich content in vitamins, antioxidants, flavanoids and minerals (inter alia, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, potassium, fluoride, manganese and alpha-hydroxy) and has a long tradition of medicinal use among the local Native population; among other things, it is known to help cure asthma, hay fever and other allergies, acne, eczema, colics, indigestion, insomnia, and nervous tension. Containing very few tannins and no caffeine, rooibos has a distinctive aroma and amber color.This tea blends well with various spices and condiments; my favorite mixture is a delicious loose leaf blend sold by my local tea store, which features orange peel, cinnamon, grated coconut, finely minced chili and red pepper. For a more commercial alternative, though, Tazo's Red Bush tea is a great choice as well: a rich, exquisite blend of rooibos, hibiscus, orange peel, rosemary, several lemon ingredients (lemon myrtle, verbena and balm), as well as a number of sweet spices. Enjoy.
Congratulations to Tazo for their light touch with hibiscus--if this tea is brewed properly--4 minutes max--it is light and refreshing. In general I think rooibus is a good tea that stands on its own--does not need additions. I purchased this tea with scepticism because I am a big rooibus fan--I get organic rooibus tea loose and brew it strong with cream. The touch of rosemary really adds a nice freshness to the blend. However, in this case rooibus was used as a base for a nice clean herbal tea blend. The flavor of rooibus is just the base note. If you brew it too long it does decline into a sourness that overshadows the subltety of the other flavors. I use this when I want a simple herbal tea with no milk.
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