It’s 1 AM and you’re regretting that post-dinner cup of black tea. Or perhaps you’re done with the caffeine jitters. Instead of turning to chemically decaffeinated black teas, there’s a better solution – rooibos tea. This deep red brew from South Africa’s rugged Cederberg Mountains is known for its caffeine-free credentials. However, rooibos’ rich flavour, antioxidant content and benefits mean there’s so much more to discover about this tea.
In this blog, we'll learn about rooibos tea's taste, origins and benefits and answer your FAQs. Let's dive in.
What is rooibos?
Rooibos, bush tea, red tea, or redbush tea – rooibos is a tea with many names. Pronounced ‘roy-boss’, rooibos tastes surprisingly like tea. It has that same malty richness and, unlike other naturally caffeine-free teas, it can take milk.
Rooibos doesn’t come from the Camellia Sinensis tea plant, but from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis bush that grows in the Cederberg region of South Africa. The combination of hot summers, cool winters, and well-drained sandy soil creates the perfect environment for rooibos to thrive.
This is the Aspalathus linearis bush:
What does rooibos taste like?
Rooibos tea gives you that bold taste of English Breakfast, with a hint of natural sweetness, but none of the caffeine. It’s full-bodied and a little bit nutty. Just like black tea, rooibos goes through is oxidised – a natural process which turns it from a green leaf to a rich, deep tea.
Rooibos tea benefits
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Supports Good Sleep
If you struggle to drift off to sleep at night, rooibos is a warming, calming drink. A cup before bed can help you wind down without the risk of insomnia or restless nights.
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No caffeine jitters
Rooibos gives you the rich flavour of a black tea, without the caffeine jitters or afternoon crash. Because it’s caffeine free, it’s also suitable for children and pregnant women.
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Doesn’t impact iron absorption
Rooibos has a very low tannin content compared to black and green tea. This means it doesn’t interfere with iron absorption, making it a great choice if you’re mindful of your iron levels.
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Anti-inflammatory
Rooibos is full of amazing anti-inflammatory compounds like quercetin, orientin, and vitexin.
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Immunity boosting
Rooibos is rich in antioxidants, particularly aspalathin, a flavonoid unique to this tea. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, which can contribute to heart disease, cancer, and other conditions. Organic rooibos gives your immune system a natural boost.
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Packed with essential minerals
Rooibos has essential minerals such as calcium, manganese and fluorideh. Its flavonoids, luteolin, and orientin promote healthy bones.
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Good for your skin
Rooibos tea is a natural source of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and zinc which is good for your skin and may ease eczema. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce skin irritation and redness.
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Helps with sugar control
Aspalathin, a polyphenol found in rooibos, has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. If you’re looking to control your blood glucose levels, adding rooibos to your daily routine can be helpful.
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Supports weight loss
Aspalathin may also play a role in managing your weight. It helps to regulate leptin, a hormone that signals to your brain when you're full.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Rooibos
Fling a rooibos tea bag in your cup and pour over building water – it’s that simple. Let the tea steep for around 4 minutes, or longer if you like it strong. You can add a dash of milk, honey or lemon if you like.
What else can you do with rooibos tea?
Rooibos is a versatile ingredient. It’s a great base for caffeine-free chai tea and mocktails. As well as drinking it as a delightful cuppa, you can use rooibos as a natural dye or even as an ingredient in beauty products.
How to choose the best rooibos tea
Buying directly from small, organic farms ensures that the rooibos tea you drink is ethically produced and pesticide free. The freshest harvest will also have the best flavour. Our organic rooibos tea grows in wild, organic gardens in South Africa. Try it here.
Your Rooibos Questions, Answered
Can I drink rooibos tea every day?
Absolutely! It's caffeine-free and packed with antioxidants, making it a healthy daily choice.
Can I drink rooibos tea if I’m pregnant?
Yes! It's naturally caffeine-free and rich in antioxidants.
Does rooibos tea make you sleepy?
It can help you relax and sleep better due to its lack of caffeine.
What does rooibos tea taste like?
It’s sweet, malty and a little bit nutty.
Can you add milk to rooibos tea?
Yes, rooibos tastes great with a drop of milk.
If you haven't yet discovered the wonders of rooibos tea, now is the perfect time to explore this antioxidant-rich, immune-boosting brew. Our 100% organic rooibos is grown without pesticides and comes in fully home-compostable bags, making it a choice that's good for you and the planet. So why not make rooibos a part of your daily ritual and experience its benefits firsthand?