Rooibos Questions

[wildvision]

I just tried rooibos for the first time recently, and I have a couple of questions. I didn't care much for it, but I wonder if I did something wrong. Or, maybe the type I tried just isn't a good one. (I'm using a bagged version, for the record

Comments

[builtofsorrow]

It is definitely, definitely worth trying something else. Unfortunately, my really brilliant experiences with rooibos were via a German flatmate I once had, and I have no idea where she got her teas. I like the vanilla rooibos that Starbucks has (just straight; no milk involved); it's very different to the African Redbush, but it's definitely not as good as the others I've had. Sorry I can't be of more help, but I did just want to say that you should definitely not let Tazo turn you off to it.

[wildvision]

Well, that gives me some hope. =) One question, though. Do you mean that you liked the vanilla rooibos from Starbucks better because they use full leaf tea (which the Tazo bags don't), or because of the vanilla? 'Cause I really can't tell the difference between those full leaf bags and the regular bags. =/ (I guess my palate isn't very sophisticated.) If it's the vanilla, though, maybe I'll try that CS one that I've seen around. =)

Thanks for the feedback!

[builtofsorrow]

Oh, I like it better because of the vanilla. I think the flavour's a little stronger & purer from the full leaf teas, but it's barely noticeable unless I'm looking for it (then again, my palate is definitely not very sophisticated). Anyway, the vanilla rooibos has vanilla, cinnamon, peach, apple, and a few other things in there, so for me, it's a bit sweeter than the African Red Bush and a lot less like drinking flowers.

[wildvision]

Cinnamon, peach and apple? I thought that the rooibos they used in the lattes was the African Red Bush. I'll have to ask my barista about that next time! Yesterday, I found a box of just rooibos to try, and I liked it. So now I'm eager to try it with some vanilla added!

Nah

[jcomer2001]

I just...don't like rooibos.
I tried it. It was awful.

My friend Jimmy tried it and he said it tasted like Big Red gum.

Ugh. Not recommended.

Re: Nah

[wildvision]

Big Red gum? Well, that's interesting...I might would have liked it, if it'd tasted that way to me (I love cinnamon). It tasted more like some weird mix of fruity-flowery to me, and not in a good way.

Re: Nah

[jcomer2001]

I whole gullet'dly agree. Yuckers.

I don't like it.

[joeyclaren]

A good straight rooibos should taste a little earthy and very rich, with a soft, full mouthfeel and not a lot of other flavors. If you're trying to determine if you like rooibos, get something that is -just- rooibos, preferably loose. Tazo cuts their rooibos with hibiscus, which is much stronger, and so you're primarily tasting that and the rosemary.

Many people use rooibos as a base for herbal blends because it adds a lot of body and a good, earthy flavor without being too assertive -- it is especially good at carrying spices which would be too overwhelming on their own, like cinnamon and cloves.

I don't think the brand you find matters that much. Just make sure that what you're buying is just rooibos, no added flavors or other ingredients. Once you're familiar with the basic taste of rooibos, you should be able to make more informed decisions as to whether the other blends would be suitable for you.

Hope this helps!

[wildvision]

I'd thought the Tazo was just rooibos; I'll have to check the labels more carefully in the future. Hibiscus and rosemary, huh? That actually makes sense...I got a really strong floral taste (the hibiscus, I guess), and something I couldn't identify (probably the rosemary). The combination was not pleasant.

Yeah, I've seen a number of rooibos blends mentioned online, so I figured it must play well with others. That's why I was wondering if I'd like one of those better. (Mmm, cinnamon...that sounds promising!) I think you're right, though. I'll see if I can find some plain rooibos, then go from there.

Thanks for the info! =D

[teamtriceratops]

I think Tazo tea in general is just not very good tea, so I'd never go by any of their examples.

Teavana has a rooibos tropica that is my favorite tea on earth. Choice tea also makes a lovely clean rooibos that will help you learn what rooibos should taste like.

I usually steep my rooibos about 5 mins, and no longer than seven. It's a grass and not a leaf so the steeping time is slightly a different art.

Good luck! It's good to have another caffeine-free tea in your repertoire.

[wildvision]

Tazo's not so good, huh? Hmm...that makes me all the more eager to try my other varieties of Earl Grey, then. (Tazo was the first and only one I've ever had, and I was kinda so-so on it. Maybe it's just a bad example, too.)

I've heard of Teavana, though I've never had anything of theirs. I'll look into those, and see what I can come up with. =)

Between 5 and 7 minutes...well, at least it's nice to know I got that about right. I'll remember that for future attempts.

Thanks! I hope I can find one that I like. It's not that I need the caffeine free (I've got a high tolerance for the stuff), but I'm always up for a new type of tea to add to the cupboard!

[wildvision]

I didn't know Twinnings made a rooibos; I'll have to keep an eye out for it. What I didn't like about the Tazo version was the weird floral flavor. A previous commenter mentioned the hibiscus and rosemary, and that's probably what it was that I was tasting. So, I'm hoping that I'll have better results with plain rooibos. Maybe I do like my tea a bit stronger; I've never steeped a tea for only a minute or two. =) I'll keep it in mind as something to try, though. Thanks for the input!