H-ZA-001

Rooibos (Red Bush)

Fermented tisane, from Cederberg, South Africa.

Herbal tisanes

Rooibos (Red Bush) is strongest on sweetness, smoothness and woody. Typical tasting words: honey, cedar, caramel, bark, sugar cane. Indigenous Khoisan populations harvested wild rooibos for centuries before commercial cultivation began in the Cederberg region in the 1930s. Consumed widely across South Africa, often brewed strong and taken with milk and sugar much like black tea.

Also known as Redbush, African Red Tea and Rooibos Tea.

Compare

The profile

Taste, 0 to 5

sweetness4bitterness0astringency1umami0brightness1body3smoothness4aroma intensity3finish length3

Flavour families, 0 to 5

floral0fruity2vegetal0marine0nutty1toasty1malty2honey3spicy0woody4earthy2smoky0creamy1citrus0stone fruit0tropical0cocoa0caramel2

Facts

Origin: Cederberg, South Africa
Plant: Aspalathus linearis leaves and stems
Harvest: mid-summer to early autumn
Elevation: mid
Oxidation: to %
Roast: unroasted
Leaf: cut
Price band: budget
Availability: everywhere
Ageing: a little
Forgiving to brew: 5 of 5
L-theanine: none

Made by: harvesting, then chopping, then bruising, then oxidation, then sun-drying.

Caffeine

Rooibos (Red Bush) 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 g	95 to 100 °C	5 min, 7 min
Cold brew, 250 ml	3 g	Fridge	8 to 12 hours

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

Drinking it

afternoon
evening
night
relaxing
evening
bedtime
after_meal

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