FAQ - at Carmién Tea International .com

Questions About Carmién Tea

When Was Carmién Tea Founded?

Carmién Tea was founded in 1998 by Mientjie Mouton and has been selling rooibos tea on the international and South African markets in bulk and packed forms ever since.

Does Carmién Tea Conform to British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS)?

Yes, Carmién Tea is fully-certified by the BRCGS regulating body.

Is Carmién Tea Fair Trade Certified?

Yes, we are committed to the well-being of our staff and local community. Bergendal Rooibos, our packing and processing facility, is 50% worker-owned. Find out more about our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.

Is Carmién Tea Rainforest Alliance Certified?

Yes, we are committed to sustainability and are certified as a Rainforest Alliance partner.

Do You Sell Organic Rooibos Tea?

Yes, we are certified according to USDA, JAS and EcoCert European standards to sell organic rooibos. Find out more here.

Do You Sell Green Rooibos Tea?

Yes, find out more about Green Rooibos here.

Do You Sell Honeybush Tea?

Yes, we offer honeybush in fermented and unfermented (green) varieties. Find out more about our Honeybush Tea offerings.

Questions About Rooibos

What is The Difference Between Red Rooibos and Green Rooibos?

Traditionally, rooibos undergoes a process of fermentation that activates phenolic activity in the plant material and gives rooibos its distinctive red colour. Green rooibos is dried rapidly before the oxidation process takes place, which captures the green colour and gives it a more vegetal flavour. Learn more about Green Rooibos here.

Does Rooibos Have Product of Designated Origin Status?

Rooibos was awarded Product of Designated Origin (PDO) status in 2021, making it the first South African non-wine ingredient to be awarded Geographical Indication (GI) status.

What is the difference between Rooibos and Honeybush?

Rooibos is made from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, while Honeybush is made from the leaves of the Cyclopia intermedia plant. Rooibos leaves have a needle-like appearance and produce a deep red liquor when steeped. Honeybush leaves are shorter and thicker and produce a red-gold infusion when steeped. In terms of flavour, Honeybush is sweeter and fuller-bodied than Rooibos, with earthy undertones, while Rooibos has a profile flavour marked by notes of caramel, wood and nuts.

Does Rooibos Contain Caffeine?

No, rooibos is naturally caffeine-free.

Is Rooibos Safe to Drink During Pregnancy?

While Rooibos is generally considered a good alternative to caffeinated teas during pregnancy, we suggest speaking to your GP or midwife if you have concerns about drinking teas or herbal infusions during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Does Rooibos Grow Anywhere Else in The World?

Rooibos is indigenous to the Cederberg Region of South Africa and was awarded GI Geographical Indicator and PDO Protected Designation of Origin status by the EU. Read more here.

Frequently Asked Questions