About Rooibos
Rooibos is a spiky shrub endemic to South Africa with a rich and storied history dating back to the indigenous inhabitants of the Cederberg Region, the Khoi San. Rooibos is a fynbos species within the Cape Floral Kingdom, and is unique to the Western Cape Region of South Africa. The botanical name for the rooibos plant is Aspalathus linearis. In many countries, rooibos is known as "red tea", "redbush", or "African red tea".
Rooibos tea has a delicate balance of sweetness on the nose, slight astringency, and a full, smooth mouthfeel. It is characterised by fynbos-floral, woody, honey-like aromas, and fruity-sweet caramel, vanilla, and apricot flavours.
Rooibos Uses
Beverages
Rooibos can be brewed as a hot or cold tea and paired with honey, milk or fruits for a deliciously rich drink. A strong extract can be brewed for use in cocktails or mocktails. Carmién also infuses rooibos with gin to create a flavourful cocktail experience.
Culinary
Rooibos makes for a versatile cooking ingredient that can be used as a base for stews and marinades, or as a cooking liquid for rice and grains. The natural earthy notes pair well with meats, poultry and tofu, and can add depth to baked goods like cakes, muffins and breads.
Wellness
Rooibos is known for its antioxidant properties and is often used to soothe digestion, reduce inflammation, and support immune health. Rooibos is a naturally caffeine-free and sugar-free drink that can be enjoyed as a relaxing evening tea to promote better sleep.
Cosmetics
Rooibos extracts and powders can act as a natural toner when added to cosmetic products or can be added to bath products for their calming, skin-softening properties. The antioxidant content of rooibos has a firming effect on skin and protects against oxidative stress and damage.
Pet Care
Rooibos extracts or powders can be added to pet supplements to reduce inflammation and provide healing and support for joints and cartilage. Carmién has formulated a specialised Pet Food Supplement with turmeric, rosehip, and a pleasant beef flavour.
The History of Rooibos
The use of rooibos as a tea and medicine long predates the arrival of settlers in South Africa and the international commercialisation of the product. Read about the key events in the history of rooibos tea below.
The indigenous Khoisan people of the Cederberg Region utilised rooibos for its medicinal properties. As of 2019, a levy of 1.5% of the farm gate price of all rooibos tea is annually being paid into a trust, controlled by the Khoi and San, to be used at their discretion for the upliftment of their communities. This follows years of negotiations in recognising the Khoi and San as the rightful traditional knowledge holders of rooibos.
Protected Designation of Origin
In May 2021 Rooibos became the first South African food to receive the status of geographical indication (GIs), Regulation (EU)No 1151/2012, granting it the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).
Rooibos Tasting Notes
When tasting red rooibos, it has a delicate balance of sweetness on the nose, slight astringency, and full, smooth mouthfeel. There are three primary aromas i.e. fynbos-floral, woody and honey, followed by secondary aromas: fruity-sweet, caramel and apricot.
Although red Rooibos has a light, earthy taste, it’s strong enough to hold other ingredients like fruit, herbs, flowers, spices and even chocolate, making it ideal to use in popular blends like Masala chai or flower/fruity teas. It’s ideal to be used in cappuccino’s, latte, or espresso formats.
Rooibos Aroma Wheel
Health Benefits of Rooibos
Naturally Caffeine-Free
Rich in Antioxidants
Improves Heart Health
Regulates Blood-Sugar
Supports Skin Health
Metabolic Support
Rooibos is naturally caffeine-free and is rich in powerful natural antioxidants, including aspalathin, which combat several diseases and assist in preventing oxidative stress in the body. With its high mineral content, rooibos provides a wide range of health benefits to those who enjoy it regularly.
Production and Processing
From the soil of the Citrusdal Valley in South Africa to the teabag in your cup, our rooibos undergoes a strictly-regulated process of fermentation, drying, testing and blending to ensure the final product is of world-class quality.
Full Traceability and Transparency
As one of the only tea companies in the world that produces, processes, packs, markets and distributes rooibos tea, Carmién can trace every ingredient from the crop to your cup.
Grades and Cuts
We offer Rooibos, Green Rooibos, and Honeybush in a variety of grades and cuts that are suitable for different applications, from traditional tea bags to cosmetics and wellness products. Find out about the various cuts on offer and their uses.
Pure Rooibos. No Compromise.
At Carmién, we are passionate about rooibos, and we take the utmost care in ensuring that the rooibos in your cup is of the highest quality and purity
Green Rooibos
Green rooibos does not undergo the same bruising and fermentation process as red rooibos, but is dried immediately after cutting to preserve the naturally high levels of antioxidants and the green colour. In comparison to red rooibos, green rooibos has a mild, slightly sweet, and grassy flavour, characterised by notes of caramel, and a smooth, enjoyable mouthfeel.
Our Promises
Our vision is to establish Carmién as the Preferred Sustainable Rooibos Supplier, with our clients and customers at the heart of what we do.
The entire process from growing the product in the fields to developing the best aroma and flavour is controlled by strict processes and measures. To maintain consistent quality and flavour, we adhere to the following certifications and are regularly audited by all these certification bodies.
