Chapter 3: Herbal Tea

Tea 101 — An Educational Email Series

Chapter 3: Herbal Tea

Although many devoted tea drinkers find great pleasure in sipping these aromatic brews, “herbal teas” are not officially teas. Strictly speaking, "tea" refers only to beverages made from the leaves and buds of Camellia sinensis, the plant that gives us black, oolong, green and white tea.

Rather, “herbal teas” are naturally caffeine-free (except maté, which contains caffeine), single or blended infusions of leaves, fruits, bark, roots, seeds, nuts or flowers of almost any edible, non-tea plant. Within our collection of herbal teas you will find premium blends of healthful botanicals, fruits and spices, each complex and full of flavor.

Rooibos

Red tea is made from the indigenous wonder herb of South Africa called rooibos (ROY-boss, Dutch for "red bush"), which contains polyphenols and flavonoids. This aromatic herb is as tasty as it is beneficial, with low tannins and minimal bitterness. Like black tea, rooibos leaves are oxidized; unlike black tea, rooibos is naturally caffeine-free, so you can enjoy unlimited, healthful cups all day long. Naturally rich and mildly sweet, rooibos is delicious and satisfying served hot or over ice.

Green Rooibos

Green rooibos tea is made from South African rooibos leaves that are lightly steamed below 115° to halt the oxidation process (red rooibos is fully oxidized). The raw state preserves the plant's natural enzymes. This tasty cup is low in astringency, and great hot or iced with no caffeine or calories.

Hibiscus

Not to be confused with ornamental hibiscus, Hibiscus sabdariffa flowers are a tropical marvel that steep a caffeine-free, deep-crimson cup. Hints of berry and bright citrus flavors make this cup tangy and refreshing. Enjoy it served hot or over ice.

Maté

The ground-up leaves of yerba maté make for a stimulating herbal cup. A relative of the holly bush, maté is a natural stimulant that contains all three xanthine stimulants — caffeine, theophylline and theobromine — that are found in varying amounts in coffee, tea and chocolate. Maté's caffeine level is similar to that of a cup of coffee, making for a well-rounded, mild alternative to coffee.

Roasted Brazilian yerba maté is the centerpiece of our Yerba Maté Latte, a caffeinated herb tea that incorporates rooibos, cocoa and almonds and is divine with steamed milk.

Herbal Blends

Combining individual herbal teas often leads to sublime and flavorful blends. The Republic of Tea offers several delicious herbal blends that fall outside of the traditional herbal offerings above. One of our most popular blends is Chamomile Lemon — chamomile blended with linden flowers, orange blossoms and other potent botanicals to produce a fragrant soothing cup. Another favorite is Cardamon Cinnamon, with the gentle, airy taste of the forest itself — reminiscent of ginger with a taste of pine — cinnamon adds a spicy depth. Try any of our uncommon combinations for a surprisingly satisfying caffeine-free cuppa.