Rooibos in the Kitchen: A Taste of South Africa’s Red Gold
Rooibos (pronounced roy-boss) isn’t your average tea. It’s earthy, honeyed, and completely caffeine-free grown exclusively in the mountains of South Africa. And now, it’s the soul of one of our most distinctive salts.
What is Rooibos?
Rooibos means “red bush” in Afrikaans, it is endemic to the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape and is one of Southern Africa's most internationally recognized fynbos species. It was first harvested and brewed by the Khoi and San people centuries ago for its health benefits and soothing taste. It’s rich in antioxidants, naturally sweet, and deeply rooted in South African culture. Traditionally brewed as a calming tea, rooibos was used to treat stomach ailments, nourish infants, and ease restlessness. It was also a staple in post-ritual recuperation, offering grounding and tranquility after intense ceremonies or physical healing.
N/UM has two available salts utilizing Rooibos.
The salt: Rooibos, Bridge of Hope Shiraz and Petit Verdot, and Khoisan Sea Salt
Tasting Prelude
A warm and grounding blend that evokes comfort, complexity, and memory.
Chef Kudzai’s Note
Rooibos contributes softness and warmth to this profile, with delicate notes of honey, dried apricot, and woody fynbos. The Shiraz and Petit Verdot bring body and spice, delivering blackberries, cedar, and subtle tobacco. The Khoisan sea salt serves a clarifying role, binding the components with a clean salinity. The blend is neither overpowering nor passive. It speaks with calm confidence and deep familiarity. Each element complements the others in a way that feels restorative and complete.
Recommended Pairings
Ideal for lamb ribs, eggplant stew, heirloom tomato sauces, or as a finishing salt on dark chocolate with roasted nuts.
Link to Purchase:
The Salt: Rooibos, African Beechwood Smoke, and Black Summer Truffle
Tasting Prelude
Earthy, elegant, and introspective. A blend that reveals itself slowly and with presence.
Chef Kudzai’s Note
The base of rooibos lends warmth and depth with soft tannins and a familiar, grounding sweetness. African Beechwood smoke introduces a delicate aromatic layer that lingers without overtaking. The inclusion of Black Summer Truffle adds richness, umami, and an earthy sophistication. Each component is carefully calibrated to respect the whole. The result is quiet but memorable, composed but deeply expressive. This blend is meant to be savored with patience and attention.
Recommended Pairings
Well suited to mushroom risotto, truffled scrambled eggs, roasted onions, grilled polenta, or any dish designed to slow time at the table.
Link to Purchase: Shiraz & Rooibos