rooibos

Tea has been an incredibly trendy ingredient for the past two years. Recently, I was bombarded by so many different types of new tea products that I was quite overwhelmed. So much so that I avoided the enormous amount of tea booths at the Fancy Foods Show.

Until one — the Republic of Tea's Be Well Red Tea line — caught my eye. With names like "get happy," "get some zzz's," and "get relaxed" the collection of South African rooibos teas are each specified to change a certain aspect of your life. They're caffeine free and naturally healthful. They come in brightly colored, tin canisters. I enjoy their unpretentious packaging, clean herbal flavor, and soothing qualities.

Do you drink decaffeinated tea? Have you tried Republic of Tea?

This St. Patty's Day, if green beer is not in your diet (or even just not for you) then this festive tea may be worth a try.

Blended with Green Peppermint, Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips and Green Rooibos, this St. Patrick's Day Tea is one healthy (and green) drink. What makes it so healthy? Why, the peppermint and the rooibos, of course.

Peppermint tea has been thought to have healing effects, as a result of the menthol that it contains. It may ease irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and vomiting. It can also control mild asthma and even help to manage stress. Some even drink peppermint tea as a way to ward off colds.

Rooibos, a South African plant, has gained much attention for the relief of nervous tension, various digestive problems and allergies. Interestingly enough, in South Africa, the drink of choice for expectant mothers is rooibos tea because this caffeine-free herbal infusion has been shown to soothe the body's reaction to allergies and rashes. Most recently, antioxidant activity has also been attributed to the tea as well.

As for the chocolate, well do I even need I explain why that's good? Buy it from TeaGarden.com for $13.50 (3.5 ounces).