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.
FAQ
Is herbal tea technically tea? Not botanically. True tea comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, while herbal tea, or tisane, is made from other plants, flowers, herbs, or fruit, which is also why herbal tea is naturally caffeine-free unlike green, black, or oolong tea.
See the Rooibos Guide and the Tea Type Comparison.