What kind of tea is Rooibos Tea? Characteristics and How to Brew It Deliciously

Recently, Rooibos tea has become increasingly common in cities, so let’s introduce its characteristics and how to brew it deliciously.

Rooibos tea has a color similar to black tea, but unlike green tea, oolong tea, or black tea which are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, Rooibos tea is made from a leguminous shrub and is classified as an herbal tea.

If you have Rooibos tea, check the country of origin. It should always say South Africa, as the shrub known as Aspalathus linearis, which is the source of Rooibos tea, only grows naturally in South Africa. Therefore, all Rooibos tea, regardless of the brand, originates from South Africa.

Additionally, Rooibos tea is naturally caffeine-free, making it a non-caffeinated tea.

Now, let’s explore the characteristics of Rooibos tea and how to brew it deliciously.

Before brewing, Rooibos tea has a very vivid color! The brewed tea will look like the photo below.

Characteristics of Tea Leaves and Tea Appearance

Tea Leaves Before Brewing: Rooibos tea is characterized by its fine leaves. Unlike green tea, which expands in volume when absorbing water during brewing, Rooibos tea does not significantly expand after brewing. Therefore, when brewing Rooibos tea, it is recommended to use a teapot with a fine mesh or to strain the tea using a mesh when pouring it into a cup.

Tea Appearance: The brewed tea has a vibrant red color.

Taste Characteristics: Rooibos tea has a sweet flavor with a refreshing and moderate astringency. Despite being caffeine-free, it has a satisfying body, providing a fulfilling taste.

Aroma Characteristics: Rooibos tea has a distinctive aroma that evokes a sense of earthiness and nature.

Brewing Conditions

• Amount of Tea Leaves: 5g (3 teaspoons)
• Amount of Water: 300ml
• Brewing Temperature: 95°C
• Brewing Time: 3 minutes

Recommended Tea Pairings

• Vanilla ice cream
• Pudding

Rooibos tea, with its refreshing astringency, pairs exceptionally well with sweet vanilla ice cream or pudding. Being caffeine-free, it is also great to enjoy during a relaxing evening. Enjoy your wonderful tea time!

teplo teapot By using it, you can automatically brew tea under optimal conditions. If you’re interested, be sure to check it out.