S-ZA-035

Rooibos Chai

Spiced herbal tisane, from Blend, South Africa.

Scented and blended tea

Rooibos Chai is strongest on spicy, smoothness and aroma intensity. Typical tasting words: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, clove, cedar, vanilla. A modern Western creation combining South African fermented rooibos with traditional Indian masala chai spices. Widely popular as a warming, entirely caffeine-free evening chai alternative that can be brewed with milk.

Also known as Red Chai and Herbal Chai.

Compare

The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness3bitterness0astringency1umami0brightness1body3smoothness4aroma intensity4finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral0fruity1vegetal0marine0nutty1toasty1malty1honey2spicy5woody3earthy2smoky0creamy1citrus0stone fruit0tropical0cocoa0caramel2

Facts

Origin: Blend, South Africa
Plant: Aspalathus linearis with spices
Harvest: summer through autumn
Elevation: low
Oxidation: to %
Roast: unroasted
Leaf: cut
Price band: affordable
Availability: common
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 5 of 5
L-theanine: none

Made by: cutting, then bruising, then fermentation of rooibos, then sun drying, then blending with whole and ground spices.

Caffeine

Rooibos Chai is caffeine-free. Figures are estimates for a 240 ml cup. Low enough to suit the evening for most people. The caffeine planner turns this into a daily total.

How to brew it

Method	Leaf	Water	Steeps
Western, 250 ml	3.5 g	95 to 100 °C	5 min, 7 min
Cold brew, 250 ml	3.5 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

Up to 2 infusions. Scale for your own pot with the brew calculator.

Drinking it

afternoon
evening
night
evening
bedtime
cold_weather
relaxing

Pairs with pastry, dessert, chocolate and scones_cakes. Milk: yes. Iced: yes. Sweetener: yes. Good for beginners: yes.