Rooibos: Origins, Benefits and Complete Guide
By Trevor Ashworth, Certified Tea Sommelier, UK Tea Academy — Teatower
Curious about rooibos before you buy? You've come to the right place. This guide answers the most common questions about this South African herbal tea: its origins, the difference between red and green rooibos, what it contains, and how to brew it to get the very best from every cup.
What is rooibos?
Rooibos (pronounced "roy-boss", literally "red bush" in Afrikaans) is not a tea in the botanical sense — it doesn't come from Camellia sinensis like green, black or oolong tea. It's an herbal infusion made from the shrub Aspalathus linearis, which grows exclusively in one specific region: the Cederberg mountains of South Africa. This unique geographical origin makes it a genuinely rare product — rooibos simply doesn't grow anywhere else in the world at a commercial scale.
Naturally caffeine-free, rooibos is a much-loved alternative for those looking to cut back on caffeine without giving up the pleasure of a warming brew — including last thing at night.
Red rooibos or green rooibos: what's the difference?
It's the question we hear most often, and the answer comes down to one word: oxidation.
- Red rooibos is the most widely known. The leaves are cut and left to oxidise in the open air, giving them their characteristic red-orange colour and a smooth, gently woody, naturally sweet flavour with no bitterness.
- Green rooibos is unoxidised — much like green tea compared to black tea. It retains a lighter colour, a fresher, more vegetal flavour, and generally a higher antioxidant content than its oxidised counterpart.
At Teatower, we work with rooibos sourced from the Cederberg region, including a certified organic range — discover them in our Rooibos collection.
What does rooibos contain?
Rooibos is naturally rich in antioxidants, particularly aspalathin and nothofagin — two compounds found almost exclusively in this plant. It is also:
- Caffeine-free (0%), unlike green tea, black tea or maté
- Naturally low in tannins, which gives it that smooth, rounded character with no bitterness — even when brewed for longer
- Traditionally enjoyed in South Africa at any time of day, including the evening, precisely because it contains no caffeine
This information is provided for general interest only and does not constitute health claims within the meaning of European regulations.
How to brew the perfect rooibos
Rooibos is wonderfully forgiving — it's one of the easiest herbal teas to get right, even if you leave it to steep a little longer than planned.
- Water: bring to a full rolling boil (100°C) — unlike green tea, rooibos loves the heat
- Amount: one heaped teaspoon (2–3g) per 200–250ml of water
- Steeping time: 5 to 7 minutes — don't be afraid to leave it longer, rooibos simply won't turn bitter
- Trevor's tip: for a refreshing iced tea, try cold brewing — steep in cold water for 4–6 hours in the fridge. The natural sweetness of rooibos really shines through this way
Our flavoured rooibos range
Beyond pure rooibos, Teatower offers a wide selection of flavoured rooibos blends that beautifully complement its natural sweetness:
- Organic Pure Red Rooibos — discover the authentic flavour, nothing added
- Plaisir Caramel — a caramel rooibos, indulgent and comforting
- Orange Royale — rooibos with orange blossom and tulsi
- Jardin de Babylone — rooibos with blackcurrant, strawberry and elderflower
- Pêche de Vigne BIO — a fresh and fruity organic peach rooibos
Browse the full selection in our Rooibos collection, including red, green and organic varieties.
Frequently asked questions about rooibos
Does rooibos contain caffeine?
No. Rooibos is naturally 100% caffeine-free, unlike green, black, white tea or maté, all of which contain caffeine. That's one of the main reasons it can be enjoyed at any time of day — including in the evening.
Can you drink rooibos every day?
Absolutely. Rooibos is consumed daily in South Africa by people of all ages, including children, precisely because it contains no caffeine and is naturally low in tannins.
What's the difference between rooibos and Chinese red tea (Pu-erh)?
Despite the occasional confusion caused by the name "red tea" sometimes used for rooibos, these are two entirely different products. Pu-erh is a true tea (from Camellia sinensis), fermented, and contains caffeine. Rooibos is a completely distinct shrub and is naturally caffeine-free.
How should rooibos be stored?
Like any herbal tea or loose leaf tea, keep it away from light, moisture and strong odours, in an airtight container. Stored properly, rooibos will retain its full aroma and flavour for 18 to 24 months.
Does green rooibos taste different from red rooibos?
Yes, noticeably so. Unoxidised green rooibos has a fresher, more vegetal flavour — think freshly cut hay — while red rooibos (oxidised) develops softer, woodier notes with a gentle caramel sweetness.
Got a question about our rooibos range or looking for a personal recommendation? Come and see us in store in Waterloo, Namur, Liège or Rocourt — our team will be delighted to help.