That Tick Tock Taste

Life sometimes feels too short to read the small print so we’ve done a brief summary on the Tick Tock Taste for those who like to keep it simple. For those who’ve nothing better to do or who’re as tea crazed as we are, we’ve added lots more detail below.

Keep It Simple Version

Tick Tock Rooibos Original has a deliciously smooth, full bodied taste, with a slight sweetness. It’s naturally caffeine free, low in tannins and ideal for all the family at whatever time of day or night the fancy takes you.

Tea Crazed Version

Naturally Caffeine Free: The Rooibos tea plant is part of the pea and bean family and has absolutely no caffeine in its genetic make-up. We’re frequently asked whether Tick Tock is caffeine free because we decaffeinate it – the answer’s ‘no’, because it never had any to begin with.
Low tannins: It’s the tannins in tea that can give it an astringent taste which is particularly noticeable in lower quality black teas. In cups of black tea that are left to steep, you’ll find the bitter taste can increase and when you’ve finished there’s that rather off-putting dark scum inside your cup. Rooibos (redbush) tea is naturally very low in tannins, so the natural, soft sweet taste of the plant comes through unhindered, to give you a lovely gentle, hydrating cup of tea – and less washing up!
Oxidisation: Tick Tock Original Rooibos brings you a full bodied complex flavour, enhanced by natural techniques based on traditional Chinese tea curing methods. Rooibos leaves are green when harvested. It’s the oxidisation (or fermentation) process that causes them to change slowly to a gloriously rich, deep red colour. Oxidisation is completely natural - it’s the same process you’ll see happen when you take a bite from an apple.

Infusions: Infusion is the term used when hot or boiling water is poured directly on fresh leaves or leaves that have been simply picked and dried as quickly as possible. A good example of this is mint leaves. Infusions are not even partially oxidised and so have a very light taste.
Green Rooibos Tea: Tick Tock Rooibos Green Tea is light with a refreshingly delicate and sweet flavour. After harvesting, the rooibos tea leaves while still green, are only allowed to partially oxidise until they’re just beginning to change colour. At this point the oxidisation is quickly stopped by applying heat to dry out the leaves. A whole lot of skill, experience and expertise is needed to make sure the tea will taste light and fresh but not raw (or ‘grassy’). As with all green teas, it’s best to have as is without milk, to preserve its special flavour.
Iced Tea: Tick Tock Original or Green make delicious iced teas. Quick and easy, they keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, and because of low tannins they won’t go bitter. Rooibos Iced Tea Recipe