Asphalathus Linearis, “As-what??” I can hear your mind say. More commonly known as Rooibos, a South African tea has been creeping up in popularity amongst the health-conscious ones. It was one of those things that I placed a note at the back of my head to give it a try and just never got around to it. Like a Post-It note that would not stick anymore because we kept sticking it around and didn’t throw it out.
Last week, long delayed Rooibos plan materialised. My parents brought home the tin of loose leaf Rooibos Earl Grey. I gasped in excitement! I opened the tin ceremoniously, rolled the leaves on my palm and drawn a deep long breath. Headily, I was swept away into a valley of African bush with small bright yellow flowers of the Rooibos plant.
The stem and leaves of this slightly under 2 metre tall plant are harvested and cut into small pieces. They are bruised and fermented before drying, giving it a wonderful red hue akin to the colour of brewed high quality English Breakfast tea. The story goes this tea was discovered by a mother who was looking for a brew or herb that would pacify and soothe her young child. Rooibos is often recommended to pregnant and nursing mothers and is suitable for young children because it is free of caffeine. A cuppa before bedtime would not result in endless tossing on the bed.
As I sip my tea writing, I have profound appreciation for the Chinese who presented Charles Grey, a British prime minister during the 1830s, a blend of black tea flavoured with bergamot oil. It is believed that the minister’s delegation to China saved a Chinese child from drowning and they were rewarded for their deed. Well, when the tea arrived back in Britain we could say the rest is history. Earl Grey tea, is one of the most popular blends of black tea today.
These wonderful leaves of red are complemented with burst of bright purple bergamot and you can get yours from Ritz Carlton Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Just remember to be thankful for the kindness of an African mother and a British prime minister when you take your sip.
