What is Rooibos?

What is Rooibos? Pronounced ” roy-boss” and also known as “red bush tea”. Rooibos is a naturally caffeine free herbal infusion.

True teas like Black or Green tea are always made with the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, Rooibos however is made from the Aspalathus Linearis plant. This grass like shrub is unique to the Cederburg Mountains in South Africa, a protected World Heritage Site, and home to more than 5000 plant species.

The unique terroir of the area means that the Rooibos plant flourishes, in fact it only grows here. And nowhere else!

How is Rooibos Made?

During the South African Summer months (between January and March) Rooibos plants are harvested by hand. Cut with a sickle and packed into cloth sacks it is transported to the area making area. The leaves are cut and bruised to start the oxidisation process that gives it its dark colour and deep flavour. Finally it is laid out to dry in the baking sun, this “cures” the tea sealing in the goodness and flavour.

Health Benefits

Rooibos is enjoyed by adults and children alike for over 300 years now… and not just because it tastes nice. There are also a range of health benefits! Such as …

• Naturally caffeine free – many people use rooibos as a caffeine free alternative to black tea. It is also low in tannins which can interfere with iron absorption.
• Full of antioxidants and anti inflammatory compounds. These can help protect the body against stress, ageing andheart disease.
• Sugar and calorie free.
• Red bush contains aspalathin. In animals this has been shown to help control blood sugar. There is ongoing research to discover whether it can be beneficial to help diabetic people.
• Contains several vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc and alpha hydroxyl acid.

Taste – what does is taste like?

Red bush has a very smooth taste, often described as slightly nutty, woody and aromatic with a natural sweetness. It is also very full bodied.

Some Rooibos is more oxidised than others, this means you can get “red” and “green” rooibos. The less oxidised green version has a lighter flavour.

Some people like to drink it on its own and some add milk, honey as they would with a black tea.

We have both pure organic Rooibos and a pure Green Rooibos, and also over 20 Rooibos blends which have other ingredients added to create some amazing flavours.

What flavours do we have?

We have so many flavours to choose from, here we will introduce you to a few favourites. You can explore the entire range for yourself on our Rooibos page.

Paradiso

Paradiso combines the delightful flavour of passionfruit with good quality red bush tea. Lovely yellow sunflower and vibrant blue cornflower petals add a touch of colour.

Honeybush Chocolate Cake

Honeybush Chocolate Cake is a sweet indulgent treat, with real caramel pieces and chocolate chips!

Earl Grey

Rooibos Earl Grey is a refreshing and zingy blend. Mixed with bergamot oil and lemon peel, this is delicious hot or as an iced tea! A great option for those who love a classic earl grey but without the caffeine.

Orange Tonka

A super colourful and fun blend created with entirely organic ingredients! Blue and green dinosaur and star sprinkles nestle amongst the rooibos which is flavoured with fruity orange and sweet tonka.

Strawberry and Mango

The deliciously fruity notes of mangoes and strawberries work so well with the rooibos base. A dash of lemon grass completes the blend and adds a dash of freshness.

Salty Caramel

Salted caramel has become a favourite flavour in recent years. How fantastic that we can enjoy it in our tea now too! Creamy sweetness of caramel pieces set off by the savoury pops of salt pearls. A great choice for those with a sweet tooth! This blend does contain some nuts.

There are just a few of our adventurous blends but we have so many more, and new ones each season so keep an eye on our facebook page for more news.