Rooibos (pronounced: roy-bos) is an herbal tea made from the Aspalathus linearis plant in South Africa. Rooibos may also be called red tea, bush tea, or rooibosch. This unique tea is only grown in the Cape region of South Africa but has gained quick popularity in the United States over the past ten years. The tea has been prized in Africa for centuries for its curative properties, but Americans are just now catching on to its potential health benefits.

How is Rooibos Made?

The production of rooibos tea is very similar to traditional teas made from the Camellia sinensis plant. After the leaves are harvested, they can be immediately dried to make green rooibos tea, or chopped, bruised, and left to ferment before drying, similar to black tea. Fermented rooibos is the most popular variety of rooibos tea. The fermentation process turns the leaves into a deep burgundy color that produces the characteristic red cup for which the tea has earned its nickname, red tea.

How to Drink Rooibos

Rooibos tea is loved for its gentle, sweet flavor and absence of caffeine. Green rooibos teas tend to be sweeter and almost fruity, whereas fermented rooibos teas have a rich, almost nutty flavor. Whether green or red, rooibos tea blends remarkably well with several flavors, making it perfect for herbal tea mixes or use in a variety of cafe drinks. The low levels of tannins in this tea make it smooth and easy to drink. Rooibos is often consumed with milk and sugar or honey, similar in preparation to a cafe latte.

Rooibos Health Claims.

In South Africa rooibos is used to treat several ailments such as colic, skin allergies, and stomach cramps. In the United States, rooibos has been billed as an anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, and an aid in defense against metabolic disorders, cancer, and more. Rooibos lacks caffeine and is extremely high in antioxidants, two attributes that have helped sky rocket its popularity in the United States. Although some studies have been conducted on mice, evidence supporting the health claims of rooibos tea for humans is thus far anecdotal. 

Where to Purchase Rooibos

Thanks to its increasing popularity, rooibos can now be purchased from several major tea manufacturers in the United States. Look for tea labeled as red tea or red bush tea, if not found labeled as rooibos. Whole leaf rooibos will have the best flavor and retain more of its antioxidant content. Rooibos tea is often blended with other flavors, like vanilla or fruit, to make herbal tea blends. Once opened, keep your rooibos tea in a tightly closed container, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.