What is rooibos?
Rooibos is a shrub native to the Cederberg mountains of South Africa, north of Cape Town. Its botanical name is Aspalathus linearis, but it's more widely known as "red bush" tea, a direct translation of the Afrikaans name. It is not a true tea in the botanical sense as it doesn't come from Camellia sinensis, but the drinking experience is entirely familiar: a warm, richly coloured infusion with a naturally sweet, earthy, and gently nutty character, and no caffeine whatsoever.
The red-brown colour comes from oxidation. After harvesting, the leaves are cut, bruised, and left to oxidise in the sun. This is where the colour deepens and the natural sweetness develops. Unfermented green rooibos skips this step entirely, staying lighter in colour with a more delicate, vegetal quality.
What is honeybush?
Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) is rooibos's close neighbour: another South African native shrub, also naturally caffeine-free and low in tannins. The name comes from the honey-scented flowers of the plant. In the cup, honeybush tastes softer and sweeter than rooibos, with a more floral and lightly fruity quality. It pairs beautifully with rooibos in blends, rounding out the earthiness with gentle warmth.
FAQ
How do you pronounce rooibos?
Rooibos is pronounced "roy-boss." The name is Afrikaans for "red bush," referring to the colour of the oxidised leaves and the deep, warm hue of the brewed infusion.
Does rooibos have caffeine?
No. Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free. It does not come from Camellia sinensis (the plant that contains caffeine), which makes it a good choice for drinking at any time of day, including late evening.
What is the difference between rooibos and honeybush?
Rooibos and honeybush are both caffeine-free, both native to South Africa, and both used to make herbal infusions. Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) has a sweet, earthy, and slightly woody flavour. Honeybush (Cyclopia spp.) has a softer, sweeter, and more floral quality. The name honeybush comes from the honey-scented flowers of the plant. The two blend naturally together.
How to brew rooibos and honeybush
Brew rooibos at 100°C for 5–7 minutes. Rooibos is forgiving and won't go bitter with a longer steep, so adjust the time to your taste.
Is rooibos the same as red bush tea?
Yes. "Red bush" is a direct English translation of "rooibos" (Afrikaans), referring to the reddish colour of the oxidised plant and the brewed cup. The terms are interchangeable. Rooibos is sometimes also called red tea, though this can cause confusion with other unrelated red-coloured infusions.
