The Ultimate Guide to Rooibos Tea

Herbal teas are becoming more and more popular these days, as people become more aware of all the wonderful options there are out there.

One of our absolute favourite herbal teas here at The Tea Makers of London is the ever-versatile and deliciously soothing Roobios tea. We're proud of the Rooibos tea we offer as part of our selection, and in this blog we've answered everything you need to know about Rooibos.

What is Rooibos tea?

Rooibos tea is a herbal tea made from the harvested and processed branches of the rooibos plant.

Rooibos can be a tricky word to spell and say; it’s not roobis, it’s not roobios and it’s not roobias.

It’s rooibos.

The name in Afrikaans translates as ‘redbush’, which is another name sometimes used for the plant and that tea. This refers to the amber colour of the branches once processed and ready to be brewed.  

Rooibos is a herbal tea; it is made from a completely different plant from black teas and green teas. Because of this, it is 100% caffeine-free.

Where does it come from?

Rooibos tea comes from South Africa, where the wild plant was first discovered and drank as a beverage.

Consumption of rooibos tea has been traced back to the 19th century, although it may be even older than that. Likely inspired by the spread and popularity of traditional tea from Asia, tea made from the wild rooibos plant served as a cheap and local alternative.

Growth in demand and popularity led to the cultivated domestic varieties and commercial rooibos plantations in the early 20th century.

Rooibos is still popular in its homeland today and is a staple of most South African kitchen cupboards.  

Rooibos is unique in that it is only grows in the Cederburg Mountains of the Western Cape, South Africa. This is due to the extremely unique habitat of this area, which is also known as the Cape Floral Region.

Nearly 70% of the plants growing in this area can only be found there and no where else on earth, which is why the region was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As a result, efforts to cultivate rooibos on a commercial scale outside of South Africa have been unsuccessful.

What does Rooibos tea taste like?

Rooibos has a mellow, soothing flavour with woody, earthy afternotes and a slight natural sweetness. It has a robustness and depth that is quite unusual for a herbal tea.

Rooibos is free from the astringency and bitterness that black tea and green tea have, making it a very smooth tea.  

Rooibos’ natural flavour blends well with other ingredients, making it excellent for use in blends. For example, our Great Taste Award winning Organic Vanilla Rooibos combines high quality organic rooibos with organic vanilla pieces.

We also have our Chai of Madagascar; a delightful herbal takes on Indian Chai, incorporating traditional spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves for herbal chai.

Can you add milk and sugar?

Unlike other herbal teas, the robust and earthy flavour of rooibos can withstand the addition of milk without becoming diluted, so for those who enjoy a creamier taste you can add cow’s milk or a dairy-free alternative and still enjoy a delicious cup. It’s just up to personal preference.

For those with a sweeter tooth, you can add sweeteners to your rooibos. We recommend using honey to complement the natural earthy flavour of the rooibos.

Types of Rooibos tea

What is the best time to drink Rooibos?

Due to being a caffeine-free tea, rooibos is an excellent evening brew. You can enjoy soothing sips without keeping yourself awake into the might.

Unlike other herbal teas, the robust and earthy flavour can withstand the addition of milk without becoming diluted, making it a great caffeine free substitute for black tea with milk (the most popular way of drinking tea here in the UK). Rooibos is also a tea that all the family can enjoy due to its caffeine-free nature.

However, Rooibos can be enjoyed at any time of the day you choose!

A warm cup of rooibos teas is perfect during the cold winter months; however you can make them into iced teas or cold brew during summer, so the possibilities are endless!

How to brew Organic Vanilla Rooibos

Brewing Rooibos tea is straighforward and simple! Here we've broken down the steps to brew our best-selling Organic Vanilla Rooibos as both loose-leaf tea and in teabags.

How to Brew Loose Leaf Organic Vanilla Rooibos Tea

You will need;

• Loose - Leaf Organic Vanilla Rooibos
• 1 cup or mug 
• 200ml of boiling water (100°C) 

1. Measure 2-3g (a heaped teaspoon) of loose-leaf Organic Vanilla Rooibos and add to your infuser.
2. Place the infuser in your cup or mug, then pour approximately 200ml of boiling water over the leaves.  
3. Allow the tea to brew for 2-3 minutes.  
4. Carefully remove the infuser from your cup. 
5. Add a splash of dairy or non-dairy milk if desired 
6. Sweeten with honey or a sweetener of your choice, if desired.  
7. Sit back and enjoy your freshly brewed cup of Organic Vanilla Rooibos Tea!

How to Brew Organic Vanilla Rooibos Tea Bags 

 What You’ll Need:  

• 1 Organic Vanilla Rooibos tea bag  
• 1 cup or mug  
• 200ml of boiling water (100°C)  

1. Place one Organic Vanilla Rooibos tea bag into your cup or mug.   
2. Pour around 200ml of boiling water into the cup.  
3. Let the tea brew for 2-3 minutes to release its full flavour.  
4. Remove the tea bag (our Triune teabags are fully biodegradable and can be disposed of in household waste or composted)  
5. Add a splash of dairy or non-dairy milk if desired  
6. Sweeten with honey or a sweetener of your choice, if desired.   
7. Relax and enjoy your soothing Organic Vanilla Rooibos tea!  

Pro Tip: If making a pot of tea, use one additional tea bag per 200ml of water.   

The Benefits of drinking Rooibos Tea

High in antioxidants  

Rooibos is rich in antioxidants, which are associated with a range of health benefits, from preventing a range of diseases, combating the effects of ageing, and even reducing inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.  

A cup of rooibos a day is an excellent way to increase your antioxidant intake.  

May help with Diabetes  

One of the key antioxidants is apalathin, which is only found in the rooibos plant. Studies have shown aspalathin may help with blood sugar levels and isnulin resistance, potentially benefiting those with type 2 diabetes.  

Soothing sore throats  

Rooibos is commonly used as a home remedy in South Africa. Its smooth and soothing nature make it ideal for a host of complaints, and a great way to stay hydrated if you’re under the weather. If you’re suffering from a sore throat, there’s nothing better than a warm cup of rooibos tea with a dash of honey.  

Good for your heart 

Drinking a cup of rooibos a day may help your heart health, due to the high amount of antioxidants. Additionally, studies have shown that drinking rooibos can improve your cholesterol level and reduce your risk of heart disease.  

The Side Effects of Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is generally safe for most people to consume in moderation.

Some studies have shown that rooibos can increase liver toxicity in very rare cases. Those with any liver conditions should consult a medical professional if they have any concerns.  

Conclusion

We're sure you can now see that Rooibos makes a very special tea, from its unique heritage to its health benefits and uses. Shop our Rooibos Collection today and getting started on your herbal journey.