Rooibos Tea

What Is Rooibos Tea?

Rooibos tea (Aspalathus linearis) is an herbal tea made from the fine branches of a red bush plant that grows only in the Cederberg region of South Africa. Its name means "red bush" in Afrikaans.

Fermenting and drying its leaves gives it a reddish color and a naturally sweet, mellow aroma. Since it is not made from the true tea plant, it contains no caffeine and is low in tannin.

Nutritional Values of Rooibos Tea

Unsweetened brewed rooibos tea provides no energy; it contains no caffeine and is low in tannin. It contains its own unique herbal compounds; its value lies in being a caffeine-free, mellow beverage.

What Are the Benefits of Rooibos Tea?

With its caffeine-free and low-tannin nature, rooibos can be considered a light beverage that can be consumed at any time of day.

This information is general; rooibos tea is a beverage, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Rooibos Tea

Good rooibos should be reddish-brown, dry, and have a fresh-sweet scent. Pale-colored, moistened, or weak-scented products have lost their freshness. There is also a green (unfermented) rooibos variety.

• Color should be reddish-brown, leaves should be dry
• Scent should be fresh-sweet
• Pale color and weak scent are undesirable

How to Store Rooibos Tea

Rooibos tea is stored in a sealed container in a dry, cool place; since moisture and light diminish its aroma, it should be protected from them. Keeping it away from aromatic spices preserves its taste.

Using Rooibos Tea in the Kitchen

Rooibos is brewed hot and drunk; it is also used in milky "rooibos lattes," iced tea, and spiced blends. It is also used to flavor desserts and syrups, and even as a light base flavor in meat marinades.

How Is Rooibos Brewed?

A dessertspoon of rooibos is added to boiling water and steeped for 5–7 minutes; unlike black tea, it does not become bitter with long steeping, so it can be left longer. It can also be drunk with milk or lemon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rooibos a true tea?

No; it is an herbal tea made from a separate bush, not the true tea plant (Camellia sinensis). This is why it contains no caffeine.

Why can rooibos be steeped for a long time?

Since its tannin content is low, it does not become bitter like black tea; therefore it can be steeped longer to get a deeper color and flavor.

Is rooibos drunk with milk?

Yes; its naturally sweet character pairs well with milk, and it is also enjoyed as a "rooibos latte."