Rooibos Tea (Aspalathus Linearis)

1. Definition & Processing Rooibos, also known as Red Bush, is a caffeine‑free herbal tea indigenous to Africa, made from stems and leaves of Aspalathus linearis. Red Rooibos: harvested, cut, bruised, naturally fermented (oxidized), sun‑dried, sorted and sterilized. Green Rooibos is non‑oxidized to retain fresher compounds. Available forms: long‑cut, short‑cut, fine‑cut fannings and powder. Can be drunk neat or widely blended for loose retail, tea‑bags and beverage base. Caffeine‑free, no theophylline, no artificial additives.

2. Raw Material and Characteristics‑Raw Material: Young stems & leaves of African endemic Aspalathus linearis, coarse stalks removed. ‑ Appearance: Red Rooibos shows reddish‑brown needle‑like cuts. Green Rooibos presents yellow‑green colour. ‑ Cup profile: Red Rooibos gives bright amber‑red liquor. Aroma: nutty, caramel‑sweet, warm herbal notes. Taste: smooth, mellow, naturally sweet, very low tannins, no bitterness even with long steeping, caffeine‑free. Green Rooibos delivers pale‑yellow infusion with lighter fresh aroma.

3. Flavor & Properties ‑ Rich in flavonoids and polyphenol antioxidants. Zero caffeine, suitable for caffeine‑sensitive consumers any time of day. ‑ Highly blend‑friendly. Enjoy neat, with milk or honey; frequently mixed with ginger, cinnamon, lemongrass and hibiscus. Good for both hot‑brew and cold‑brew. ‑ Storage requirement: air‑tight, dark, cool and dry place, avoid moisture and foreign odors.

4. Application Scenarios ‑ Long‑cut Rooibos: loose‑leaf retail, gift sets, home hot‑brew & cold‑brew. ‑ Short‑cut / fine‑cut fannings: raw material for tea‑bags, herbal blends, ready‑to‑drink beverages. ‑ Target markets: global high‑demand, especially Europe, North America, Japan, Middle East and Africa.

5. Brewing Recommendation‑Water temperature: 95‑100℃ boiling water, high‑temperature tolerant. ‑ Tea‑water ratio: 2.5‑3g per 250ml. Use less quantity for fine‑cut grades. ‑ Steeping time: 5‑8 minutes for hot brew; no bitter risk for extended steeping. 6‑10 hours refrigerated for cold‑brew. Serve with milk or honey as preferred. ‑ Storage: Keep sealed, away from light, moisture and foreign odors.