© 2010 A.C. Cargill photos and text – All rights reserved.
No copying, posting on other sites, or other uses allowed without written permission of the copyright holder.

The Subject: Florida Orange Rooibos from The English Tea Store.

Rating:

Water temperature: 212° F
Steeping time: 5 minutes

Tea type: Not tea, is rooibos (red bush)
Scents, flavorings, etc.: Florida Orange
Aroma, dry: Orange
Aroma in the cup, plain: Orangey planty
Taste, plain: Initially orange, with planty rooibos afternotes
Aroma in the cup, enhanced: N/A
Taste, enhanced: N/A

2nd Infusion: N/A

Chilled: Didn’t do, suspect would need sweetener

Comments:
We reviewed several samples of Rooibos (red bush) from another company and thought it would be good to compare with one from The English Tea Store. Our experience has been that Rooibos by itself is less than appealing. Drinking it for your health might be beneficial, but drinking it just to have a nice beverage is, at least for us, not a good option.

However, Rooibos with something added, like cocoa, is quite tolerable, even tasty. So, one with a fruity essence added could be another good option. At least that was our theory. After all, teas with fruit are certainly enhanced by that fruitiness. Our approach to tasting this Rooibos was, therefore, filled with anticipation.

One whiff from the pouch was filled with orangey aroma. We couldn’t resist sniffing a couple of times while it steeped. The orange scent came through loud and clear. The liquid was a reddish orange color. We each took a mouthful and let it play on our tongues. Definitely, orange tasting. But then the orange faded and the plantiness of the Rooibos took over. I raised the cup for another taste and noticed that the aroma of the orange hit first. The orange flavor hit my tongue first and again was replaced by the somewhat bitter taste of the Rooibos.

I think hubby and I are giving up on Rooibos, no matter what is added to it. That distinct taste always comes through. And it’s one that neither of us cares for. However, if you like Rooibos and orange, you’ll love this.

Disclaimer: This tea was provided by the company named. However, the rating of the tea and any opinions concerning it are always strictly objective.

You can find more great reviews at Little Yellow Teapot Tea Reviews!