Naturally sweet, caffeine-free, and packed with antioxidants, Rooibos tea is South Africa’s red treasure. Whether you’re unwinding before bed or elevating your daytime ritual, red bush tea invites you to savour nature’s spin on pure, hearty flavour.
Originating in South Africa’s rugged Cederberg Mountains, Rooibos, also known as redbush tea, is a naturally caffeine-free herbal brew. Its unique growing conditions and traditional hand-harvesting techniques give red bush tea a signature sweet, slightly nutty flavour and a distinctive reddish hue.
More than just delicious, Rooibos is celebrated for its health benefits. It’s also known for its calming properties – making it a soothing late-night tea, even recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women as a healthy, caffeine-free alternative.
Redbush tea is also versatile: brew it traditionally, turn it into a creamy latte, or serve it chilled as a refreshing iced tea. Its long shelf life, up to two years when stored properly, makes it a cupboard staple.
Our Rooibos tea Discovery Box takes you away to the heart of South Africa’s Western Cape, where the unique herbs of Cederberg mountains await.
This curated selection showcases our range of both Red and Green rooibos, whilst celebrating the vibrant notes of our Lemon and Honeybush rooibos.
From sweet and nutty to zesty and fruity, each variety allows you to explore the unique diversity of the redbush tea.
Each sip is an invitation to explore the traditional tea used by the indigenous Khoisan people for centuries, containing four herbal blends: pure red rooibos, lemon rooibos, pure green rooibos and pure honeybush rooibos.
Ideal as a gift or a personal treat, this flavourful bos is a must-have for Rooibos lovers and curious newcomers allike. Upgrade your experience with our 3-piece 350ml infuser glass, the ideal companion for brewing red bush tea with ease.
The ‘Rooibosch’ Rooibos Tea Discovery Box is your passport to the world of medicinal herbal teas – turn your tea break into a tasting adventure
Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss), also known as red bush tea, is a naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion made from the Aspalathus linearis plant, native only to South Africa’s rugged Cederberg Mountains.
Its name, Afrikaans for “red bush,” reflects its rich reddish-brown brew – a striking visual cue that has captivated tea lovers worldwide.
For centuries, the Indigenous Khoisan peoples have harvested wild rooibos, using it as both a soothing beverage and a medicinal companion.
In the early 20th century, innovators like Benjamin Ginsberg and Dr. Le Fras Nortier transformed rooibos into a cultivated crop – bringing the “red tea” from local wild harvests to global tea culture.
Today, rooibos is celebrated worldwide not just for its sweet, earthy flavour, but also for its cultural heritage and unique origin. It’s a tea that invites you to enjoy both the present moment and the story in every sip.
Rooibos honours the Khoisan people, with the industry contributing 1.5% of the farm gate price as per the 2019 agreement between the South African government, the Khoisan Council, the San Council of South Africa and South African Rooibos council.
Green rooibos undergoes minimal processing, preserving its natural green colour and delicate flavour.
It is derived from the same plant as red rooibos, but the leaves and stems are steamed or heated in order to prevent oxidation. This results in a brew with a smooth taste and a fresh, grassy undertone.
The crispness of green rooibos tea makes it a preferable choice for iced teas and herbal blends. It features delicate herbal notes with a hint of grassiness and subtle sweetness.
Green rooibos is best enjoyed on its own or with delicate flavour pairings.
Red rooibos, on the other hand, undergoes a fermentation process, resulting in the distinct reddish-brown colour, sweet and nutty flavour, and a full-bodied taste.
Red rooibos is made from the leaves and stems of the Aspalathus linearis plant. It is described as naturally sweet, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a caffeine-free alternative to a sweet coffee.
Red rooibos tea carries an enchanting blend of earthy, nutty and subtle sweet notes. It often pairs well with a splash of milk, honey or lemon.
Rooibos tea can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and desired taste. Here is a list of our favourite ways to enjoy the herbal infusion:
1. Use 250ml of fresh, boiled water (100 °C) to brew 1-2tsp of loose tea leaves.
2. Steep your rooibos for 5-7 minutes, the longer the tea steeps, the richer the flavour. Rooibos can steep for up to 10 minutes before becoming bitter.
3. Strain your tea leaves – you can add finishing touches such as sweeteners or enjoy your rooibos as is.
1. Double the amount of tea leaves used for hot rooibos.
2. Steep in hot water for 10-20 minutes
3. Place into fridge or add ice and garnish with lemon or mint.
1. Steep concentrated rooibos tea (2tbsp to 300ml water) for 10 minutes.
2. Add milk and some honey for a perfect caffeine-free latte.
For more tasty rooibos recipes, see our blog
Rooibos is packed with antioxidants that support heart health, skin vitality, and immune function. It may help reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol, and promote digestive comfort – all without caffeine or tannins.
Yes! Rooibos is safe for daily consumption and is gentle on the body. Its lack of caffeine and low tannin levels make it an excellent everyday tea, even for those with sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
Yes! Rooibos is safe for daily consumption and is gentle on the body. Its lack of caffeine and low tannin levels make it an excellent everyday tea, even for those with sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
Absolutely. Since Rooibos contains no caffeine and has natural calming compounds, it’s a great bedtime drink. Many people find it helps reduce stress and supports restful sleep.
Rooibos is generally considered safe during pregnancy and is often recommended as a soothing, caffeine-free option. However, it’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider before adding any new tea to your routine.
Rooibos is naturally smooth and pairs well with milk, honey, or plant-based alternatives. In South Africa, it’s often enjoyed with milk and sugar, much like black tea.
Rooibos is well-tolerated by most, but in very rare cases, it may interact with certain medications or conditions involving the liver or hormones. If you’re on medication or have a medical condition, consult a healthcare professional.
Yes! Its antioxidants help protect skin cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and may slow signs of ageing. Some even use Rooibos topically in skincare routines.