Is rooibos a tea? Origin, differences and preparation

It is often called "rooibos tea", yet rooibos is not a tea. Where does this confusion come from? Why is it sold in specialty shops and enjoyed like a tea? Let's discover its origin, its characteristics and the reasons for its success together.

Rooibos does not come from the tea plant

All true teas, whether green, black, white, oolongs or Pu-erh, come from one and the same plant: Camellia sinensis.

Rooibos has a completely different story. It comes from a shrub called Aspalathus linearis, which grows naturally in the Cederberg mountains, in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Even though their leaves are harvested and then dried before being brewed, tea and rooibos therefore belong to two completely different botanical species.

Why is rooibos often considered a tea?

The confusion is perfectly understandable.

Rooibos is prepared in a teapot, brewed in hot water and enjoyed exactly like a tea. It is naturally found in tea shops alongside green, black or white teas.

However, from a botanical point of view, it is not a tea, but a herbal infusion, just like certain herbal teas.

This difference does not detract from its appeal. On the contrary, it gives it a unique personality.

A smooth aromatic profile

Rooibos captivates with its natural balance.

Depending on its origin and the ingredients that accompany it, it can develop notes of:

• slight honey;
• wood;
• vanilla;
• sweet treats;
• fruit;
• or even delicately spicy.

Its roundness on the palate and its lack of bitterness explain why it is appreciated by both tea lovers and people wishing to discover new flavors.

Does rooibos contain caffeine?

No.

Unlike true teas from the Camellia sinensis, rooibos is naturally caffeine-free.

This is one of the reasons for its success. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day, both morning and evening, without providing the caffeine present in tea leaves.

How to prepare rooibos?

Rooibos is particularly simple to prepare.

It handles very well boiling water and longer brewing times than most teas, without developing a pronounced bitterness.

However, to fully enjoy its aromas, follow the instructions provided with each reference, as plain rooibos and flavored rooibos may require slightly different parameters.

Would you like to better understand the influence of water temperature and brewing time? Also find our Tsuru Guide No. 6: Temperature and brewing time, dedicated to these essential parameters for a successful cup every time.

Why is rooibos so popular?

Beyond its taste, rooibos captivates with its versatility.

It can be enjoyed both hot and iced, plain or flavored, alone or with a dessert. Its natural sweetness makes it a pleasant drink for both enthusiasts and people discovering the world of infusions.

In summary

Rooibos is not a tea in the botanical sense of the term. It comes from a different plant, Aspalathus linearis, grown exclusively in South Africa.

If it is often offered in tea shops, it is because it is prepared and enjoyed in a very similar way. Its aromatic profile, its sweetness and its natural lack of caffeine make it a unique drink, capable of captivating both enthusiasts and the curious.

If you wish to discover this world, explore our loose-leaf rooibos collection and find the blend that will accompany your next tastings.

Article written by the Cap sur le Thé crew — discover our story.