Visual and taste characteristics
Red rooibos is fermented, rich amber in color with a pronounced sweet profile. Main flavor notes: caramel, vanilla, dried fruits. The aftertaste is a light woody astringency. The drink is oily, rounded, and retains its structure at high temperatures. Recommended for evening use, goes well with almonds, figs, and caramelized dates.
Green rooibos is unfermented, light golden, closer to an infusion of soft herbs. Notes: hay, lime zest, subtle minerality. The aroma may include fresh sage or stevia. Reacts clearly to brewing time — overextraction leads to metallic notes. Best revealed at a water temperature of 80°C. Suitable for afternoon tea, with light snacks: goat cheese, salted biscuits, olive tapenade.
Parameter Comparison
- Fermentation: Red rooibos — Yes / Green rooibos — No
- Color of infusion: Red rooibos — Dark amber / Green rooibos — Light golden
- Main taste: Red rooibos — Sweet, caramel / Green rooibos — Herbal, fresh
- Aftertaste: Red rooibos — Woody, soft / Green rooibos — Mineral, green
- Ideal pair: Red rooibos — Desserts, nuts / Green rooibos — Cheeses, vegetable tarts
Suitable serving formats in Dubai
In Dubai tea boutiques (Cantata, Tchaba, Bateel), rooibos is served in loose leaf or pyramidal sachets. In premium cafes, rooibos is used in the following formats:
- Rooibos Latte - with the addition of oat or almond milk, often sprinkled with cinnamon.
- Rooibos Cold Brew — cold brew for 12 hours, served with ice, lime or rosemary.
- Rooibos Mocktail — a mix with pomegranate or apple juice, popular at Zuma, Flamingo Room and Comptoir 102.
- Used as a base for duck and chicken sauces (on the menu of restaurants at Jumeirah hotels), as well as an additive to sorbet or panna cotta.
Consumer groups
- Vegans and healthy lifestyle enthusiasts — due to the lack of caffeine, tannins and natural composition.
- Aficionados of non-alcoholic pairings — rooibos is used instead of wine during tastings.
- Muslim audience — ideal for Lent, does not violate the regime.
- Gourmets — for the richness of taste with zero caffeine content.
Food Pairing
- Goat Cheese with Truffle Honey — Green
- Dacquoise with Dates — Red
- Beef in Sweet and Sour Sauce — Red with Orange
- Green Tomato Gazpacho — Green
- Rhubarb Panna Cotta — Green
Shops and Brands
The following brands of rooibos are available in Dubai:
- Cantata — classic and flavored rooibos with fig, orange, pear.
- Tchaba — premium blends with lavender and rose.
- Jones the Grocer — loose leaf green rooibos in the wellness line.
- Amazon.ae — Pure South African Rooibos (rarely flavored).
Online orders are available at Noon and Carrefour UAE. Almost the entire range is organic, with a Fair Trade certificate. Delivery within 24 hours.
Medical and sensory neutrality
- Completely caffeine-free.
- Does not stain tooth enamel.
- No bitterness, does not interact with food acidity.
- Does not affect blood pressure and pulse.
Market status in the UAE
Since 2022, there has been a 27% increase in rooibos imports from South Africa (data from Dubai Customs). The main growth is in the HoReCa sector and the private wellness segment. Since 2024, rooibos has been included in the standard tea list at Raffles, Waldorf Astoria and One&Only hotels.