Rooibos (pronounced ROY-boss) or also known as “red bush” or “bush tea” is not really a tea. It is claassied as an herb and is therefore not related to the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. It is grown in the dry climates of South Africa and resembles a tall tumbleweed with needle-like leaves. Oxidation brings out the plant’s essential oils and helps the leaves develop a rich color and caramel flavor. The more oxidized, the redder in color. Leaves that are only partially oxidized remain slightly green in color and retains a grassy, mineral-like flavor.
Rooibos is prepared like black tea, steeped for 4 to 5 min.in boiling water.Because it is classified as an herbal, it is caffeine-free.
It is high in anti-oxidants and there are claims that it is beneficial for a variety of ailments and skin conditions. However, there is no clinical evidence to prove that it is more healthy than black or green tea.
(Information provided by Bruce Richardson in his article, “Rooibos: The South African Import Steeps Big Flavor With No Caffeine”.