Rooibos is a popular herbal tea that comes in a wide variety of flavors. Rooibos is native to South Africa’s Western Cape region, where it is still primarily grown today. Dutch for “red bush,” rooibos is sometimes also called red tea or red bush tea. Rooibos is naturally caffeine free, and has a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
Rooibos History
Rooibos has been consumed in South Africa for many years, and has a rich history in the country. Rooibos became especially popular in South Africa during World War II, when tea imports to the South Africa were interrupted. Without regular tea, people began drinking rooibos as an alternative, and today, rooibos is one of the most popular drinks in the country.
Rooibos soon spread to other areas of the world, including the United States. Beloved for its antioxidant properties as well as for its lack of caffeine, rooibos is a great alternative for those looking to move away from caffeinated tea. Although rooibos is an herbal tea, it has a similar taste and body to that of a black tea, with a bit of additional natural sweetness.
How Rooibos is Made
Rooibos tea is made from the needle-like leaves of aspalathus linearis, a plant that grows in a mountainous region near the South African Atlantic coast. Owing to the unique climate and soil conditions of the region, aspalathus linearis is extremely difficult to grow in other places. Rooibos has been enjoyed for many generations in South Africa, which continues to be its premier exporter around the world.
Rooibos takes its name from the reddish-brown color that the leaves take on when they are oxidized. Green rooibos is made from the same plant, but instead the leaves are lightly steamed and do not undergo full oxidation. Green rooibos is more difficult to produce than regular rooibos, and has a milder flavor. Honeybush is a cousin to the rooibos tea plant that is also native to South Africa, and has a slightly sweeter taste.
Rooibos Health Benefits
Rooibos teas contain a variety of health benefits, making them a popular choice for those looking for a healthful herbal tea. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, rooibos is also is very low in caffeine and tannins. Many Rooibos teas are also blended with beneficial spices, flowers and fruits.
Our Rooibos Teas
Here at ArtfulTea we carry a wide variety of Rooibos teas. A popular choice for those looking for a decaffeinated tea packed with health benefits and flavor, rooibos has something to offer everyone.
Our plain organic Rooibos is great for those looking to experience rooibos on its own, while our Green Rooibos is a lovely tea with a lighter, more floral flavor. Some other popular rooibos flavors include Rooibos Chai, Earl Grey Rooibos, and Lemon Cream Rooibos. Honeybush Hot Cider is another popular herbal tea, containing honeybush tea, apple pieces, and cider mulling spices. Whether you’re looking for a fruity rooibos iced tea to cool down with, a warm, sweet tea to sip on a winter’s night, or anything in between, we’re sure to have something that will suit you!