Lattes and cappuccinos may have achieved near-cult status around much of the world, but health benefits are not typically among their virtues. A new contender fresh out of South Africa is now proposing a healthier alternative: espresso made from red tea.
Back in 2005, South African Cape farmer and espresso junkie Carl Pretorius walked into his kitchen for a quick fix. Worrying about the caffeine, though, he opened up Rooibos red tea instead and poured it into the handle of his espresso machine. red espresso was born, featuring a strong, slightly nutty flavour and a clean finish. The Rooibos used for red espresso is grown wild and hand-harvested from a single farm at the highest altitudes in South Africa's Cedarberg Mountains. A patented cut and method of preparation give red espresso richer flavour, colour and health properties than regular Rooibos, yet it is still naturally caffeine-free and is claimed to contain five times more antioxidants than green tea—a full 10 times more than regular Rooibos tea itself. Like coffee-based espresso, it can also be made into lattes and cappuccino-style drinks.
red espresso launched into the South African market in November 2005, and won a Product of the Year award just a year later in an important South African food and beverage innovation competition. By the end of 2006 it made its way around the globe, and last fall it earned a spot on the shelves at Whole Foods markets around the US. Those in food and beverage: one to serve up to the rest of the world.
Website: www.redespresso.com
Contact: info@redespresso.com
Spotted by: Marijke Krabbenbos
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Lame is taking up content space with nothing to offer. Great idea -- and if they want to call it "red espresso" so be it -- it's no worse a label than calling White Bean Puree "Hummus." Anyway, I LOVE this idea. I've had rooibos red tea before, but, it never occurred to me to press it through my espresso machine. Thanks!
The idea is incredible. I would love to try it. Does anyone know where one can buy or try this in the USA? Maybe Whole Foods Market?
And Lame, well your name says it all!
If you are interested in Red Espresso in New Zealand flick me an email :)
I could lay a turd more tatseful than tea through an expresso machine
Wow, I just love this. Argo Tea, here in Chicago, serves a delicious "teapuccino" which is the same kind of idea.
There is just nothing like Rooibos tea.
This is a fantastic product. If you want some more information i am looking after sales in New Zealand
redespresso@clear.net.nz
thanks
If I called the lint between my toes "espresso", would that count too?
Lame | April 30, 2008 2:33 AM