Vanilla Rooibos

You might be tempted to call this a vanilla rooibos tea, and almost everyone does, but strictly speaking it isn't tea at all. Real tea comes from one plant, Camellia sinensis. Rooibos comes from a completely different one, Aspalathus linearis, a red-stemmed shrub that grows in just one corner of the world: the Cederberg region of South Africa. You may also see it called redbush, which is simply the English name for the same plant. Rooibos is so tied to its home that it now carries protected status, like Champagne or Parmigiano Reggiano; only rooibos grown in that part of South Africa can legally use the name.

What the plant gives you is a naturally caffeine-free, loose-leaf infusion with a smooth, red-amber cup and a gentle, honeyed sweetness all of its own. This is a flavoured blend built on that: I use a Grade 1 rooibos, the top grade, and blend it with vanilla and golden calendula petals. The result is smooth and sweet, vanilla-forward with gentle almond notes and a soft caramel-toffee warmth, and quietly moreish; the mug tends to be empty before you have noticed.

Because there is no caffeine in it, it is a drink for any time of day, right through to bedtime, and it takes a little milk beautifully if that is how you like your rooibos.

"A lovely, creamy, mellow, warm infusion... we really enjoyed its sweetness and caramel notes." - Great Taste Awards 2021 (1 Star)

Brew at 100°C for 3 to 7 minutes; the longer you leave it, the deeper and sweeter it gets.

Ingredients || Luxury Rooibos, Calendula petals and Natural flavour

Warning, packed in an environment that contains nuts

Caffeine || No

Tasting Notes || Fruity, smooth vanilla

Brewing Notes || 1 teaspoon per cup, 100ºC, brew for 3-7 minutes.