Consumed in southern Africa for centuries, it has become a beloved beverage around the world. It’s a flavorful, caffeine-free alternative to black and green tea. It is made using leaves from a shrub called Aspalathus linearis, usually grown on the western coast of South Africa. The needle-like leaves of this plant are harvested and fermented in batches during which the process of oxidation occurs giving it the beautiful red coloured ‘tea’ we’ve come to know.
Rooibos is graded according to the length of the stalk, aroma, colour, and flavour. When it comes to different grades, you will normally see Rooibos in categories such as Superior Long Cut, Extra Fine, or Standard Cuts. In South Africa, it is often drunk with a splash of milk and sugar. You can leave the tea to brew to your preferred strength or taste for up to 12 minutes. Why? The lack of tannins means that rooibos has a non-astringent flavour and is not bitter either.
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