An expert chemist's guide to brewing the perfect cup of tea
According to Michelle Francl, professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, USA and author of Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea , brewing tea is a rich chemical process involving hundreds of compounds that influence the colour, aroma, taste and even health benefits of every cup.
'Tea is the world's most popular beverage. What many people don't realise is how complex the chemistry behind it truly is,' she said.
While most South Africans reach for red Rooibos, the green, unfermented version actually has higher antioxidant levels.
'Fermented Rooibos has fewer antioxidants, because the fermentation process is essentially an oxidation process. Antioxidants act like little sponges soaking up oxygen. Once they've reacted, they can't function as antioxidants anymore,' Francl,added.
Green Rooibos retains more aspalathin, a rare and potent antioxidant unique to the plant, but one that degrades with time and oxygen. Her advice? 'Drink it fresh.'
Francl also cautions against using mineral-heavy water. In teas made from Camellia sinensis, it can result in 'tea scum' – a layer of compounds floating on top of your brew. She suspects something similar may occur with Rooibos if the water is particularly hard.
'These mineral-polyphenol interactions can dull flavour, while filtered water can help preserve the taste profile.'
Many Rooibos drinkers report that longer steeping enhances sweetness. Though there's no formal analysis to confirm this, Francl says it's plausible.
'Longer steep times increase the presence of maltol, a natural flavour enhancer and vanillin, the same compound that gives vanilla its signature sweetness.'
To brew the ultimate cup of Rooibos, Francl recommends the following: Use green Rooibos if your goal is to maximise antioxidant intake
Choose fresh Rooibos to retain aspalathin content
Use boiling water (100°C)
Steep for 10 minutes
If possible, opt for filtered water to avoid flavour-dulling minerals
Whether you're sipping Rooibos to unwind after a long day or seeking its health benefits, knowing the science behind the steep can elevate your tea ritual. As Francl so elegantly puts it, 'Brewing tea is not just an art. It's a beautifully balanced act of chemistry.' So next time you brew a cup, give it the full ten minutes and let science do the rest.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
11 hours ago
- The Star
An expert chemist's guide to brewing the perfect cup of tea
When it comes to crafting the perfect cup of tea, lovers of the brew know it's as much about flavour and ritual as it is about comfort and connection. From black to green, oolong to herbal, every cup tells a story. But what if we told you that behind the soothing steam and fragrant leaves lies a world of chemistry – one that can actually help you brew a better, more flavourful cup? According to Michelle Francl, professor of chemistry at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, USA and author of Steeped: The Chemistry of Tea , brewing tea is a rich chemical process involving hundreds of compounds that influence the colour, aroma, taste and even health benefits of every cup. 'Tea is the world's most popular beverage. What many people don't realise is how complex the chemistry behind it truly is,' she said. While most South Africans reach for red Rooibos, the green, unfermented version actually has higher antioxidant levels. 'Fermented Rooibos has fewer antioxidants, because the fermentation process is essentially an oxidation process. Antioxidants act like little sponges soaking up oxygen. Once they've reacted, they can't function as antioxidants anymore,' Francl,added. Green Rooibos retains more aspalathin, a rare and potent antioxidant unique to the plant, but one that degrades with time and oxygen. Her advice? 'Drink it fresh.' Francl also cautions against using mineral-heavy water. In teas made from Camellia sinensis, it can result in 'tea scum' – a layer of compounds floating on top of your brew. She suspects something similar may occur with Rooibos if the water is particularly hard. 'These mineral-polyphenol interactions can dull flavour, while filtered water can help preserve the taste profile.' Many Rooibos drinkers report that longer steeping enhances sweetness. Though there's no formal analysis to confirm this, Francl says it's plausible. 'Longer steep times increase the presence of maltol, a natural flavour enhancer and vanillin, the same compound that gives vanilla its signature sweetness.' To brew the ultimate cup of Rooibos, Francl recommends the following: Use green Rooibos if your goal is to maximise antioxidant intake Choose fresh Rooibos to retain aspalathin content Use boiling water (100°C) Steep for 10 minutes If possible, opt for filtered water to avoid flavour-dulling minerals Whether you're sipping Rooibos to unwind after a long day or seeking its health benefits, knowing the science behind the steep can elevate your tea ritual. As Francl so elegantly puts it, 'Brewing tea is not just an art. It's a beautifully balanced act of chemistry.' So next time you brew a cup, give it the full ten minutes and let science do the rest.
TimesLIVE
13 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
Should the constitution be amended to deny illegal foreigners access to public health care?
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has received backlash after raising concerns over the growing trend of illegal foreigners being denied access to public health-care services. The SAHRC said all South Africans, including documented and undocumented migrants, have a right to access health-care facilities, citing section 27(1) of the constitution, which states that: 'Everyone has the right to have access to health-care services, including reproductive health care.' The commission emphasised denying foreigners access to clinics and hospitals is unlawful and unethical, despite challenges faced by the public health system. This sparked outrage among social media users. ActionSA condemned the 'abuse' of South Africa's public health-care system by illegal foreigners, citing stricter laws in other countries that require proof of medical insurance before entering. It said the constitution must be rebalanced to put South Africans first while honouring basic humanitarian obligations in a lawful manner. 'It is unconscionable that a public clinic in Johannesburg can report that more than 70% of its patient records belong to foreign nationals,' ActionSA MP Lerato Ngobeni said. 'South Africa's constitution must reflect the reality of our limited capacity and place the wellbeing of its citizens at the centre.'
IOL News
15 hours ago
- IOL News
SAHRC faces sharp criticism amid debates over healthcare access for foreign nationals
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is facing backlash over its recent reaffirmation of the right to access healthcare services as a universal right for everyone within the Republic, a principle enshrined in the South African Constitution. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) is facing backlash over its recent reaffirmation of the right to access healthcare services as a universal right for everyone within the Republic, a principle enshrined in the South African Constitution. The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has come under fire for asserting the universality of healthcare access within the country's borders, a stance that has spurred heated debate among political parties. In its recent communication to stakeholders, the SAHRC reaffirmed that every individual, including illegal foreign nationals, is entitled to healthcare services as enshrined in the South African Constitution. This position, however, has led to criticism from various corners, including the political party ActionSA. The party vehemently opposes what it terms the 'abuse' of the public healthcare system by illegal foreigners, arguing that this influx strains an already overburdened system. It claims that Section 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to access healthcare, has been misapplied, creating a scenario where the rights of South African citizens are compromised. The statement also details that this misinterpretation not only places pressure on healthcare resources but also dilutes the quality of care available to law-abiding South Africans. In May, ActionSA took a proactive step by proposing a set of constitutional amendments aimed at reforming these provisions, which they believe have been exploited to exacerbate the crisis of illegal immigration. The party also highlights that while the intentions of the Constitution are noble, its current application leads to an untenable situation where hospitals are overwhelmed and lacking essential resources. It further questioned why healthcare responsibilities seem to fall disproportionately on South Africa, suggesting that other nations enforce stricter regulations regarding medical insurance for incoming foreigners. 'No South African can enter another country legally without providing proof of medical insurance. This is because responsible governments do not budget to provide public services to foreign nationals without limits. Yet in South Africa, we are expected to carry this burden indefinitely,' argued ActionSA. Adding to the chorus of criticism, local activist and politician Anele Mda voiced concerns on social media, suggesting the SAHRC's actions represent an unconstitutional infringement on South Africans' rights. 'We definitely need to petition Parliament to address the unconstitutional infringement of SAHRC on the rights of South Africans, acting as an unrepentant demagogue to consistently use its power as a Chapter 9 institution to advance/conceal acts of criminality by foreigners,' said Mda. The SAHRC says it is engaging with healthcare administrators and relevant departments to foster better conditions for all healthcare users. In a public statement, the SAHRC urged both the Department of Home Affairs and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to fulfil their roles diligently to prevent citizens from taking matters into their own hands. [email protected] Saturday Star
