Red Truck Christmas Chai Rooibos
complex blend of rooibos, woodsy rosemary, cardamom, star anise, ginger, orange and apple then accented with festive rose peppercorns
Also available in 1 lb. resealable bags.
FLAVOR PROFILE
Red Truck Christmas Chai Rooibos will have you dreaming of childhood holiday memories. Imagine when Pop would bring home the family Christmas tree in his old red truck and Mom would have mulled cider on the stove. This tea is the perfect pairing of those two memories.
Red Truck Christmas is a complex blend of rooibos, woodsy rosemary, cardamom, star anise, ginger, orange and apple then accented with festive rose peppercorns. Unlike that fresh cut tree, Red Truck Christmas Chai Rooibos can be enjoyed all through the year.
BENEFITS
For more information on the amazing benefits of rooibos, please read our blog post Why You Should Drink Rooibos Everyday and a Note on Who Shouldn’t. (Yes, there are some folks, specifically those undergoing chemotherapy treatments, who should speak with their medical care provider before adding rooibos to their diet.)
As a rooibos, this tisane is naturally caffeine-free and contains soothing properties to aid relaxation.
Rooibos and green rooibos (unfermented rooibos—think black tea which is fermented vs. green tea which is not) are both tisanes that provide antioxidant benefits. Studies show the regular consumption of rooibos in either form may help fight cancer, protect against heart disease and may positively affect blood sugar.
Lemongrass has a fresh, lemony fragrance and a light citrus flavor. Commonly used as a folk remedy to promote sleep, relieve pain and boost immunity, studies have shown that lemongrass contains antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ginger has a long been used in traditional medicine to aid digestion, reduce nausea and help fight symptoms of the flu and common colds. The most important compound in ginger is gingerol which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Tulsi has also been shown to normalize blood glucose, blood pressure and lipid levels and has positive effects on memory and cognitive function.
Cardamom been is a spice with intense flavor often compared to mint that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Recent studies have shown cardamom to have positive effects on chronic diseases due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Rosemary is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which are thought to help boost the immune system and improve blood circulation. Rosemary is considered a cognitive stimulant and can help improve memory performance and quality. It is also known to boost alertness, intelligence, and focus.
Cinnamon bark is full of beneficial compounds that may help improve heart health and reduce inflammation and blood sugar levels and even alleviate menstrual cramps
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Red Truck Christmas Chai Rooibos can be enjoyed hot or iced, sweetened with sugar, honey or other sweeteners. Milk may also be added.
The rich, sweet notes of this tisane lends itself to be a wonderful base for a latte style beverage we call "lattea-s." To make this vegan or dairy-free, replace the milk with a dairy-free milk such as almond or coconut milk.
To prepare a lattea using our spicy Red Truck Christmas Chai Rooibos,
- Prepare tisane according to the traditional hot tea method below.
- Sweeten one cup to taste if desired.
- Heat one cup of milk in a saucepan being careful not to scold.
- Using a whisk or aerator, froth the milk.
- Pour the tisane into a large mug, leaving room for the frothy milk.
- Pour the milk over the tisane in the mug.
- Spoon the remaining milk foam over the top of the beverage.
PREPARATION
Traditional Hot Tea
Measure one heaping teaspoon of tea leaves per one cup water into a tea filter or into an infuser of your choice. Keep in mind, the infuser you choose must be large enough to allow the tea leaves to swell and unfurl. This allows the tea leaves to release their full flavor. Place filter into teapot or mug. Bring filtered or freshly drawn water to a boil then pour into teapot or mug. Infuse 8-10 minutes. Remove the filter and discard or remove infuser and discard tea leaves. Garnish as desired with sugar, honey, sweetener and/or lemon slices.
Iced Tea
Measure six heaping teaspoons of tea leaves into a tea filter and place into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Bring 2 cups of filtered or freshly drawn water to a boil. Immediately pour boiled water over filter into teapot or heat-resistant pitcher. Infuse 8-10 minutes. Remove filter and sweeten tea with ½ cup sugar if desired. Add 2 cups of filtered or freshly drawn water to a serving pitcher. Pour in prepared tea and mix well. Add 2 cups ice and stir. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Cold-infusion Method*
Measure four teaspoons of tea leaves into a tea filter and place inside a clean glass jar or small pitcher. Position filter so that the tea leaves will be submerged and the top hangs over the side of the jar or pitcher so that leaves do not spill out once water is added. Pour four cups of filtered or freshly drawn water over the filter. Cover with lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate 8-12 hours (or overnight).
*Cold-infused tea has higher levels of antioxidants. To serve hot, simply pour the cold-infused tisane into a saucepan over medium heat and gently warm to desired temperature.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Store Red Truck Christmas Chai in a cool, dark place away from direct light. If stored properly, this tisane will stay fresh for up to two years.
Ingredients: rooibos, lemongrass, apple, ginger, orange peel, tulsi, lemon peel, rose pepper, cardamom, natural flavor, rosemary, cinnamon, candied ginger, star anise, cinnamon imperials (contain—sugar, corn syrup, artificial flavor, acacia, confectioner’s glaze, carnauba wax, red 40, white mineral oil), vanilla pieces
