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What is rooibos?
It’s often mistaken for a relative of tea, but it isn’t tea at all. Rooibos comes from a shrub, Aspalathus linearis, grown only in the Cederberg region of South Africa.
After harvesting, the leaves are cut and then oxidised. This gives them their red colour and their rounded, mild, slightly sweet notes.
Here’s why we love it:
- It is naturally caffeine-free.
- You can enjoy it in the morning or the evening.
- Its mild flavour appeals to almost everyone.
- It pairs easily with spices, citrus fruits and other fruit.
It’s a comforting, approachable drink that’s winning more and more people over with its many benefits.
How can you recognise good rooibos?
Not all rooibos is equal. Four things can help you choose.
Geographical origin
True rooibos comes from South Africa, where the climate suits the shrub perfectly. An origin clearly stated on the packaging is already a good sign.
Quality of the cut
Good rooibos has an even cut and contains little dust. The strands are fine and consistent. This makes for a balanced infusion that releases its flavours more fully.
The ingredients
For flavoured rooibos, choose blends made with natural ingredients: spices, citrus peel, fruit or aromatic herbs. When the flavours are well balanced, rooibos keeps its character.
Freshness
As with tea, you can taste freshness in the cup. Well-stored rooibos has greater depth and intensity of flavour.
Red rooibos or green rooibos: which should you choose?
There are two main varieties.
| Type of rooibos | Characteristics | Flavour profile |
|---|---|---|
| Red rooibos | Oxidised after harvesting | Smooth, indulgent, with a hint of honey |
| Green rooibos | Not oxidised | More herbal, fresh and delicate |
Red rooibos is the most common. Its natural sweetness makes it the classic choice. Green rooibos appeals more to those who enjoy fresh, light flavours. It resembles some herbal infusions.
The best rooibos for every mood
The best plain rooibos
Plain rooibos is ideal for discovering the plant as it is. You’ll generally find:
- slightly woody notes;
- natural sweetness;
- little bitterness;
- a lovely lingering finish.
It’s often the purists’ choice.
The best rooibos for a sweet treat
Indulgent blends are among the most popular. Vanilla, caramel, cinnamon and chocolate pair beautifully with the natural rounded flavour of rooibos. They’re especially enjoyable in autumn and winter, when you’re in the mood for something comforting.
The best citrus rooibos
Citrus fruits bring freshness and zest. Orange, mandarin, lemon or bergamot make for balanced blends: rooibos keeps its sweetness while gaining a lively lift. These blends also make excellent iced drinks.
The best spiced rooibos
Spices bring out another side of rooibos. Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves make for bold blends that sometimes recall chai teas. If you love rich flavours, you’re in for a treat.
Why choose premium rooibos?
Premium rooibos has several advantages.
First, the quality of the leaves and ingredients directly affects the infusion’s depth of flavour. Premium blends also tend to be better balanced: each ingredient is chosen to complement the plant’s flavour. Finally, there’s more to discover as you drink it, with aromas emerging gradually for a more refined experience.
If you drink it regularly, you’ll often notice the difference from the first few cups.
How do you prepare rooibos?
Even the best rooibos needs to be prepared properly.
Water temperature
Rooibos handles water just below boiling point very well. Between 95 °C and 100 °C, its flavours come through fully.
Infusion time
Leave to infuse for 5 to 8 minutes. Unlike some teas, a longer infusion barely makes rooibos bitter. That makes it very easy to prepare.
Recommended amount
Use around 2 grams per 20 cl of water, then adjust to your taste.
Organic rooibos: does it matter?
Organic rooibos is attracting more and more people who pay attention to what they eat and drink. Choosing organically grown rooibos can often help support farming methods that are kinder to the environment.
But bear in mind: organic doesn’t necessarily mean better tasting. Origin, harvesting and blending remain the real measures of quality. Ideally, look for both excellent leaves and a recognised organic certification.
Can rooibos replace tea?
For many people, yes. Because it contains no caffeine, it fits easily into any part of the day:
- at breakfast, for a gentle drink;
- after lunch, for a light break;
- in the evening, without risking disruption to your sleep;
- iced when it’s hot outside.
Its approachable flavour also makes it a good starting point for anyone discovering hot drinks.
Kusmi Tea rooibos: organic blends for every taste
At Kusmi Tea, rooibos comes in several organic blends that bring out the natural sweetness of this South African plant. Plain rooibos, an indulgent blend or a more elaborate infusion: there’s one for every moment of the day.
Loose organic rooibos
Our loose-leaf organic rooibos brings out the plant’s full range of aromas. The infusion is rich, and you can prepare it just the way you like it, making it a good choice for lovers of authentic flavours.
Its natural sweetness, rounded notes and lack of caffeine make it a drink you can enjoy from morning to night. With loose-leaf tea, you can use as much as you like and adjust the strength to your taste.
Our flavoured rooibos: vanilla and almond
Indulgent flavours pair beautifully with rooibos. Vanilla brings soft, comforting notes that naturally highlight its smoothness. Almond adds a delicate pastry-like touch. Together, they make a rich infusion, perfect for a cosy break or unwinding at the end of the day.
These blends appeal both to rooibos lovers and to those looking for a gentle alternative to traditional tea.
Rooibos-based infusion blends
Rooibos makes an excellent base for original infusions. Blended with fruit, spices or other aromatic herbs, it creates flavourful recipes that are easy to love.
At Kusmi Tea, these blends bring the ingredients together without ever overpowering the natural sweetness of rooibos. Citrus fruits, warming spices or fruity notes add to the pleasure of each cup while letting the plant’s own character shine through.
With so much variety, everyone can find their rooibos, whether they fancy a refreshing, indulgent or spicier infusion.