Rooibos Tea

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos (ROY-boss)

Red Bush Tea

Prep Time 10 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
2

A naturally caffeine-free herbal infusion brewed from the needle-like leaves of the Cederberg mountain fynbos plant, yielding a warm amber liquid with honey and vanilla notes.

Nutrition & Info

4 kcal per serving
Carbs 1.0g

Dietary

vegetarian gluten-free nut-free

Equipment Needed

kettle teapot tea strainer

Presentation Guide

Vessel: ceramic mug or teacup

Garnishes: honey dipper, cinnamon stick

Accompaniments: rusks, melktert

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring fresh water to a full, rolling boil.

  2. 2

    Place rooibos leaves or teabags in a warmed teapot.

  3. 3

    Pour boiling water over the leaves. Cover the pot.

  4. 4

    Steep for 5-7 minutes for full flavor development — rooibos never becomes bitter, so longer steeping is fine.

  5. 5

    Strain into cups. Serve black, or with honey and a splash of milk.

💡

Did You Know?

Rooibos grows only in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa — every attempt to cultivate it elsewhere in the world has failed, making it a truly unique South African product.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • kettle
  • teapot
  • tea strainer

Garnishing

honey dipper, cinnamon stick

Accompaniments

rusks, melktert

The Story Behind Rooibos Tea

The Khoisan people of the Cederberg mountains harvested wild rooibos for centuries. Russian-born botanist Benjamin Ginsberg commercialized rooibos in 1904, recognizing its potential as a tea alternative. South Africa successfully defended rooibos as a geographic indication in 2021, protecting it from international imitation.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed any time of day 📜 Origins: Indigenous Khoisan, commercialized 1904

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