Monday 17 October 2011

Rooibos Earl Grey Tea

Speaking of tea, as in my last blog, I think it useful to advertise the fact that we have found a wonderful new herbal, caffine-free tea: rooibos. But not just any old rooibos, EARL GREY rooibos!
 
In America, plain ole rooibos, or red bush tea, is just catching on as of last June, according to Jessica Grose. Here, it has been known at least since Alexander McCall Smith's publication of his series on The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency – where we became familiar with red bush tea through its being the drink of the day at the Agency.

McCall Smith, a doctor by profession, spent a year in Botswana and apparently fell in love with the place. His re-creation of the slow life and concerns of the occupants of Gaborone, the Botswana capital, are heart-rending. His book series began in 1998; several were also read on BBC Radio 4 between 2004 and 2008, then a television series followed in 2008, with protagonist Detective Mma Ramotswe faithfully played by the American Jill Scott. We really enjoyed both the books and the TV series (which we had to watch elsewhere since we don't have a TV) and recommend them to everyone: a new book title is still appearing every year.

Anyway, we were quite surprised to see the addition of bergamot oil to the tea and offered as Early Grey Rooibos! But it is good, and we recommend this, too, to everyone.

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