ARIEL Red Rooibos

Rooibos is South Africa's famous red bush, and this is the pure, unblended version. It isn't a true tea at all – it comes from Aspalathus linearis, a needle-leaved plant in the legume family that grows only in the Cederberg mountains – so it's completely caffeine-free, with a deep red cup and a naturally sweet, mellow character.

Tasting Notes

The cup is a striking red and smells warm and honeyed. Rooibos is naturally sweet and a little woody, with notes of honey and a soft, rounded body – no bitterness and no astringency, however long it steeps. It's comforting on its own, takes milk and honey happily, and makes a smooth base for iced tea or a latte. With no caffeine, it's as good at night as in the morning.

Origin

Rooibos grows only in the Cederberg region north of Cape Town, in rocky soils and a hot, dry climate found nowhere else. It's still harvested largely by hand, then bruised, left to oxidise and dried in the sun, which deepens both its colour and its sweetness. The Khoisan people of the region have made it a traditional beverage for generations.

Brewing

Bring fresh water to 95 °C and steep 2.5 g (about one teaspoon) for 5 to 7 minutes. Rooibos is forgiving – it won't turn bitter, so give it the full time or longer for the deepest colour and flavour; the same leaves give a second cup.

Additional Information

• Ingredients: Red rooibos leaves.
• Formats: 100 g loose leaf, 1 kg loose leaf
• Caffeine: Caffeine-free
• Certification : Kosher
• Foundation: Humaniterra Foundation