Rooibos is the leaf and fine stem of Aspalathus linearis, a shrub that grows commercially only in a small region of South Africa's Western and Northern Cape, centered on the Cederberg mountains. The name is protected as a geographical indication in South Africa and the EU, so genuine rooibos is South African by definition. Buyers choose between red and green rooibos, between cut grades, and, for beverage work, an extract.
Rooibos on the board
| Form | Origin | Certification | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rooibos long cut | South Africa | Organic | 17 kg |
| Rooibos fine cut | South Africa | Organic | 18 kg |
| Green rooibos loose leaf | South Africa | Organic | 14.5 kg |
| Rooibos extract, cold water soluble | South Africa | Organic | 2.5 kg |
Current prices and availability are live on each listing and on the market board.
Red vs green rooibos
Red rooibos is the familiar version: the cut leaf is bruised, left to oxidize (the trade calls it fermentation), and sun dried, which gives the red color and the rounded, sweet flavor. Green rooibos skips the oxidation step and is dried quickly, so it stays green and brews lighter and more grassy.
Long cut vs fine cut
Long cut is the loose-leaf grade, with longer needles and stems for premium loose tea and blends. Fine cut is screened smaller to fill tea bags. Ask for the particle size range on the specification sheet if your bagging line is sensitive to dust.
Rooibos extract
A cold water soluble (CWS) extract dissolves without hot water, which makes it the usual choice for ready-to-drink beverages, drink powders, and flavor systems. It is priced per kilogram like the leaf, but one kilogram goes much further, so compare on cost per serving.
What to check on the COA
Match the lot number and test date on the certificate to the lot you are quoted, then read the results against your own specification, not just the seller's. For rooibos, check microbiology, moisture, foreign matter (stems and sticks are normal; stones and soil are not), and the pesticide screen on organic lots. For the extract, also read solubility and the carrier, if any, on the specification sheet. See how to read a certificate of analysis for the full walkthrough.
Buying notes
The minimum order is one unit, meaning one full pack. Every listing shows a live per-kilogram price at the highest volume tier, and quotes come back within one business day with the lot COA, the specification sheet, and freight options. Stock sits in US warehouses and is already cleared into the United States, so there is no import step on your side. Most listings offer a sample before you commit.