Rooibos

botanically known as Aspalathus linearis , is a plant species in the legume family (Fabaceae). Rooibos originally comes from the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa, where it is still mainly cultivated today.

Look

The rooibos plant is a shrub-like bush up to 1.5 meters high with needle-like leaves. The leaves are green and turn reddish-brown during fermentation, creating the characteristic rooibos tea. The plant bears small, yellow flowers that bloom in the South African summer months.

Taste and Aroma

Rooibos has a mild, sweet and slightly nutty taste with a soft, earthy aroma. Unlike traditional tea, rooibos contains no caffeine and has little tannin, making it a smooth drink.