Rooibos Tea: What It Is, Flavor, Origin & How to Brew It

Rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea from South Africa made from the Aspalathus linearis plant. Also known as red bush tea, rooibos is known for its smooth body, naturally sweet flavor, rich amber color, and easy brewing.

Unlike black tea or green tea, rooibos does not come from the Camellia sinensis tea plant. It is an herbal infusion native to South Africa and can be enjoyed hot or over ice at any time of day.

Rooibos Tea at a Glance

What Temperature Should You Use for Rooibos Tea?

A good water temperature for rooibos tea is 200–212°F (93–100°C).

Rooibos responds well to very hot water, which helps draw out its full flavor and aroma. Unlike some more delicate teas, rooibos is forgiving to brew and can handle water close to boiling.

For a balanced cup, start with water between 200°F and 212°F and adjust from there based on your taste.

How Long Should You Steep Rooibos Tea?

Steep rooibos tea for about 5–7 minutes as a starting point.

A five-minute steep produces a smooth, flavorful cup, while a longer steep develops more body and intensity. Rooibos can also be steeped longer without developing the pronounced bitterness or astringency associated with many traditional teas.

If you prefer stronger rooibos, increase the steeping time before increasing the amount of tea.

How to Brew Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is one of the easiest herbal teas to prepare.

Basic Rooibos Tea Brewing Guide

1. Heat fresh water to 200–212°F.
2. Use about 1 teaspoon of loose rooibos per 8 ounces of water.
3. Pour the hot water over the rooibos.
4. Steep for 5–7 minutes.
5. Strain the loose tea or remove the tea bag.
6. Serve hot, or cool and pour over ice.

Rooibos can be enjoyed on its own or with milk, honey, lemon, or another sweetener according to your preference.

For iced rooibos tea, brew a slightly stronger infusion, allow it to cool, and serve it over ice.

What Is Rooibos Tea?

Rooibos is an herbal infusion made from the leaves and stems of Aspalathus linearis, a plant native to South Africa.

The name rooibos means “red bush,” which is why rooibos is also commonly called red bush tea or South African red tea.

Although people commonly call it rooibos tea, it is technically an herbal tea because it does not come from the same plant used to make black, green, white, and oolong teas.

One of the characteristics that distinguishes rooibos from traditional tea is that it is naturally caffeine-free.

Where Does Rooibos Tea Come From?

Rooibos comes from South Africa, where the plant is closely associated with the Cederberg region of the Western Cape.

The Aspalathus linearis plant is native to this part of South Africa, and rooibos has become one of the country's most recognizable herbal beverages.

After harvesting, traditional red rooibos is processed and oxidized, which changes the plant material from green to its characteristic reddish-brown color and helps develop the smooth, naturally sweet flavor associated with the finished tea.

What Does Rooibos Tea Taste Like?

Traditional red rooibos has a smooth, mellow and naturally sweet flavor with earthy and gently nutty characteristics.

Weaver's Rooibos Herbal Tea has subtle notes of orange, honey and toasted nuts, along with a rounded body and clean finish.

Rooibos generally has very little astringency, which makes it approachable for people who find some black or green teas too bitter.

Its naturally smooth character also makes rooibos versatile. It can be enjoyed plain, with milk or sweetener, or served over ice.

Red Rooibos vs. Green Rooibos

Red and green rooibos come from the same Aspalathus linearis plant, but they are processed differently.

Traditional red rooibos undergoes oxidation after harvesting. This develops its reddish color and characteristic flavor.

Green rooibos is processed to limit oxidation, leaving it lighter in color and typically fresher and more herbal in taste.

Does Rooibos Tea Have Caffeine?

No. Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free.

That makes rooibos different from black tea, green tea, white tea and oolong tea, which naturally contain caffeine.

Because it contains no caffeine, rooibos can be enjoyed throughout the day, including in the evening by people who prefer to avoid caffeine later in the day.

Rooibos Tea and Antioxidants

Rooibos contains naturally occurring plant compounds, including polyphenols and flavonoids that have antioxidant activity.

Researchers have studied rooibos and its compounds for a range of potential effects on human health. However, the amount of high-quality human research is still limited, and study results are not sufficient to treat rooibos as a prevention, treatment or cure for medical conditions.

For most tea drinkers, the best reason to enjoy rooibos is simpler: it is a flavorful, naturally caffeine-free herbal tea that can be part of an everyday beverage routine.

How to Enjoy Rooibos Tea

Rooibos is versatile enough to enjoy in several ways.

Drink it hot for a smooth, warming cup, or brew it stronger and pour it over ice for a refreshing caffeine-free iced tea. Its natural sweetness also pairs well with milk, honey, citrus and warming spices.

Rooibos can also be used as the base for tea lattes, iced tea drinks and other herbal tea recipes.

Explore our herbal tea recipes.

Try Weaver's Rooibos Herbal Tea

Weaver's Rooibos Herbal Tea is made from 100% pure South African rooibos and is naturally caffeine-free.

It brews a smooth, naturally sweet cup with subtle notes of orange, honey and toasted nuts. Enjoy it hot or over ice.

Shop Weaver's Rooibos Herbal Tea.

You can also explore the full Weaver's Tea Collection.

Rooibos Tea FAQ

What is rooibos tea?

Rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the South African Aspalathus linearis plant. It is also commonly known as red bush tea.

Where does rooibos tea come from?

Rooibos comes from South Africa and is closely associated with the Cederberg region of the Western Cape.

What temperature should rooibos tea be brewed at?

Brew rooibos tea with water between 200–212°F (93–100°C).

How long should rooibos tea steep?

A good starting steep time for rooibos is 5–7 minutes. It can be steeped longer for a stronger cup.

What does rooibos tea taste like?

Rooibos is typically smooth, mellow and naturally sweet, with earthy and subtly nutty characteristics. Weaver's Rooibos Herbal Tea also has notes of orange, honey and toasted nuts.

Does rooibos tea contain caffeine?

No. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free.

Is rooibos the same as red bush tea?

Yes. Rooibos is commonly called red bush tea because the word “rooibos” means “red bush.”

Is rooibos a true tea?

Rooibos is commonly called tea, but botanically it is an herbal infusion. It comes from Aspalathus linearis rather than the Camellia sinensis plant used to make traditional black, green, white and oolong teas.

Related Tea Guides

Continue exploring Weaver's tea guides and recipes:

• Herbal Tea Recipes
• The Ultimate Guide to Earl Grey Tea
• The Ultimate Guide to Green Tea
• The History of Black Tea Across the World

Ready to Try Rooibos?

If you want a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea with a smooth, mellow flavor, explore Weaver's Rooibos Herbal Tea.

Shop Weaver's Rooibos Herbal Tea

Or browse the complete Weaver's Tea Collection.