Looking for an organic rooibos? Look no further! Arbor Teas is proud to offer a large selection of flavored and plain loose leaf organic rooibos.
A tisane of particular note these days, the South African herb rooibos (pronounced ROY-bus) is native to the beautiful Cederberg region. Often mistakenly referred to as tea, rooibos is an entirely different botanical species that is naturally caffeine-free. However, it is frequently blended in much the same way as many of our other organic loose leaf tea, producing such favorites as our Masala Chai and Vanilla Almond.
Warming cinnamon layered over a sweet lightly fruity rooibos base
Tart hibiscus, mellow rosehips and other berries make for a rich fruit flavor
Fresh pairing of bergamot with apricot-like rooibos for a caffeine-free infusion
Herbaceous rosemary pairs with zesty ginger, spicy chili and woody rooibos
Unoxidized rooibos offers a fresh and herbaceous take on traditional rooibos
Strong tropical mango flavor with apricot-like rooibos for a fruity infusion
Soothing rooibos with sweet vanilla and classic chai spices
Subtle peach flavor combines with the slightly apricot-flavor of rooibos
Silky smooth body and no astringency with notes of apricot and honey
Caffeine free herbal rooibos from Africa
Deep vanilla and nutty almond over apricot-like rooibos with light calendula
Our organic rooibos hails from the Cederberg region of South Africa. The word "rooibos" comes from the Afrikaans language and means "red bush," which is an apt description of the rooibos plant. Other names for rooibos are "bush tea," "red bush tea," "South African red tea," or simply "red tea." It is noted by nutritionists and health consultants the world over for its soothing character. In contrast to tea from the Camellia sinensis plant, rooibos naturally does not contain caffeine and is low in tannins.
As with any rooibos, our organic rooibos is harvested during South Africa's summer. Cut rooibos is bound and milled to a uniform length, then bruised between rollers to trigger oxidization, which, among other things, changes the needle-like leaves' color from yellow to the familiar red and gives rooibos its characteristic flavor and sweet aroma. Finally, it is dried. Unoxidized green rooibos is manufactured by skipping the oxidation process entirely, and drying the leaves immediately.
We recommend brewing our organic rooibos in water from a full boil, or 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and steep for 5-7 minutes. Of course, these are only our recommendations. Let your personal taste be the ultimate test! Because rooibos is low in tannins, its brew has very little astringency and is often described as having a slick or slippery mouth feel. Prepared hot or as iced tea, it is a great naturally caffeine-free choice for kids. Get more tips on how to brew loose leaf tea.