Green Rooibos
The Difference Between Rooibos and Green Rooibos
Just as with black (Camelia Sinensis) and green tea, the difference lies in the processing. Rooibos goes through a fermentation (oxidation) process, which turns the green leaves into a reddish-brown colour and develops its distinctive aroma, while with green rooibos, the fermentation process is skipped, and the “green” leaves and stems are dried directly.
To ensure the natural oxidation process is stopped completely, the leaves are dried by hot air in a closed unit as soon as possible after cutting. This preserves high-quality green rooibos with optimum phenolic content, low moisture content, and excellent control of microbial activities to prevent any discolouring of the green leaves, giving it a longer storage time.
Green Rooibos Tasting Notes
Green Rooibos tea has a slightly sweet, mild green (grassy) taste, with caramel notes and a smooth, enjoyable mouthfeel and flavour profile. Unlike Camellia Sinensis Green teas, Green Rooibos tea is low in astringency and has a distinctive light orange/tan to yellow cup infusion while fermented (red) rooibos has a delicate balance of sweetness on the nose, slight astringency and full, smooth mouthfeel with a fruity caramel taste, amber cup infusion and typical sweet aroma.
Green Rooibos Aroma Wheel
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).
Health Benefits of Green Rooibos
Naturally Caffeine-Free
Rich in Antioxidants
Improves Heart Health
Regulates Blood-Sugar
Supports Skin Health
Metabolic Support
The primary nutritional benefit of green rooibos lies in its rich antioxidant content, potent enough to measurably elevate antioxidant levels in the blood, thereby boosting the body’s internal defence systems against disease.
Production and Processing
From the soil of the Citrusdal Valley in South Africa to the teabag in your cup, Carmién 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 every cup of Carmién Rooibos is of the highest quality and purity
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. "Green Tea" is harvested from the Camellia Sinensis plant, while "Green Rooibos" comes from Aspalathus Linearis. Both, however, are the unfermented versions of their respective varietal.
Green rooibos does not undergo the same fermentation process as red rooibos. During fermentation, phenolic activity is triggered, which gives red rooibos its distinctive red-brown colour. Instead, green rooibos is immediately dried to prevent oxidation.
Green and Red Rooibos have similar flavour profiles characterised by a natural sweetness and notes of vanilla and caramel. Green rooibos, however, has a more delicate, vegetal flavour profile with grassy notes