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A secret no more! Healthful, antioxidant-rich Red Tea, made from the rooibos plant exclusively found in the Cedarberg Mountains of South Africa, was first encountered by European botanists and brought to the "Old World" more than 300 years ago.

Now Tetley, Canada's tea leader, is set to re-introduce Africa's best kept secret with the launch of its exclusive new range of 100 per cent pure, antioxidant-rich and naturally caffeine-free Tetley Red Tea. Three exceptionally delicious flavours are set to hit Canadian store shelves starting October 2008 and include: Tetley Red Tea Pure Rooibos, Tetley Red Tea Vanilla and Tetley Red Tea Red Berry.

Expertly blended by Tetley, new Tetley Red Tea captures the essence of Africa at an affordable price. A unique and deliciously aromatic blend of the highest quality rooibos, new Tetley Red Tea is steeped in Tetley's 171-year tea-making tradition. An indulgent experience, its rich aroma and deep red colour come to life with an earthy flavour, featuring faint mineral tones and natural subtle sweetness; along with the unquestionable understanding that every cup delivers soothing, healthful refreshment.

Red, the new Green
"Red is the new Green and will become Canada's fastest-growing tea category over the next few years," predicts Katy Tubb, Tetley Group's Director of Worldwide Tea Buying and Blending, who is based in London, England. "It's caffeine and calorie-free, anti-oxidant rich and has an amazing flavour that tastes quite unlike any other tea and can be enjoyed clear or with milk," she says.

"It presents the warmth of Africa with every earthy sip and provides more than hydrating refreshment. Recent studies suggest that Red Tea's blend of antioxidants and minerals can promote healthy skin and help relieve allergies," says Ms. Tubb.

Red Tea: Out of Africa
The Red Tea bush has fine, needle-like leaves and is part of the legume family (aspalathus linearis). Its leaves are harvested, cleaned, dried and allowed to oxidize which creates their signature red colour. "Our Tetley buying team tests the product at source in South Africa to ensure the highest quality and flavour," says Ms. Tubb.

"Once the Red Tea has arrived in England, my team of experts rigorously test it again before it's packed in Tetley's signature re-sealable canisters and flip top cartons for distribution around the world. This ensures our consumers get only the finest and most flavourful blend of Tetley Red Tea," adds Ms. Tubb.

Many centuries ago, the Red Tea bush was well-known to the indigenous South African people who used the leaves as an herbal remedy for a wide range of ailments. In South Africa it is believed to ease digestion, help promote sleep and sooth colicky infants because of its calming and antispasmodic properties.

However, as the native population declined, the herbal lore of red tea was forgotten until stumbled upon by botanists traveling through the region in the 18th century. Since then, red tea, has gained in popularity and its many health attributes have begun to surface.

Brewing the perfect cuppa Red
"Red Tea is brewed in much the same ways as other teas, but the main difference is that Tetley Red should steep longer – anywhere from five to 10 minutes for optimum flavour. A great tip is to let your boiling water cool for about 10 seconds before making Red Tea; it allows the sweetness to come through better. One of the reasons it's gaining such popularity is because Red Tea is rich in antioxidants. Red Tea contains no caffeine, so it can be enjoyed at any time of day clear or with milk, much the same way we drink black tea," she says.

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