Herbal teas are not true tea at all but infusions of herbs, flowers, and fruits. They are naturally caffeine-free and span an enormous range of flavors.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Source | Herbs, flowers, fruits (not Camellia sinensis) |
| Caffeine | None |
| Water temp | 208 to 212F |
| Steep time | 5 to 7 min |
| Flavor | Varies widely |
| Examples | Chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, rooibos |
Tisanes, not tea
Because they come from other plants, herbal teas are technically tisanes. People reach for them to relax, to settle digestion, or simply for a warm caffeine-free drink in the evening.
Steep long and hot. Herbal blends need near-boiling water and a longer steep, often 5 to 7 minutes, to draw out flavor. They will not turn bitter the way green or black tea can.
See the Rooibos Guide and the Tea Type Comparison.