Introduction:
Rooibos is a member of the legume family of plants, and is commonly used to make a tisane (herbal tea). It belongs to the Aspalathus plant group, which consists of more than 200 species originating in the Cedarberg mountains of South Africa (rooibos grows exclusively in the Cedarberg Mountain region and around Clanwilliam and Citrusdal, due to the specific climatic and geological conditions of the region).
It grows erect, up to 1.5 m (about 5 feet) in height. It has a single basal stem that divides just above the ground surface into multiple thin branches that carry bright green, needle-like leaves of about 10-40 mm (0.4-1.6 inches) in length. The plant produces small yellow flowers in spring through early summer, and each flower generates a one-seeded leguminous fruit. Rooibos has adapted to coarse, nutrient-poor, acidic soil and hot, dry summers.
During summer and early autumn, the branches are hand-harvested and cut into smaller pieces. The raw rooibos is then moistened with water, thoroughly bruised then placed in heaps and allowed to oxidize for 8 to 24 hours. After oxidation, the herb is spread out in a special yard to dry naturally in the sun.
We bring our Rooibos directly from one of the pioneers of Organic Rooibos processing in South Africa. Made of Superfine Grade, the leaf is fine and thin like needles. Our grower recently received the ‘Best Product Award’ from the Indigenous Plant User Forum (IPUF) in Clanwilliam. The IPUF aims to promote the cultural, socio-economical and scientific advantages of the sustainable use of indigenous plants. The IPUF’s annual symposium is a unique, multicultural and multidisciplinary event that brings together academics, businessmen and women, resource managers, anthologists, conservationists, natural healers and other parties who are interested in the sustainable use of South African plants.
Laboratory studies have found that rooibos tea contains polyphenol antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, that are potent free radical scavengers.
Brewing Suggestion
Rooibos is exceptionally easy to brew. We recommend one teaspoon of leaf per 8oz cup of near or just at boiling water. Because of its smoothness, steeping time can very broadly without acquiring any bitterness. In general, higher temperature and longer infusions extract more of the beneficial health properties of the beverage (boiling water, 10 minute infusion). However, if lower temperature or shorter steepings are desired, re-infusions will extract all the antioxidants and other nutritional qualities).
Rooibos can be brewed in porcelain, ceramic, glass, or stainless steel but never in aluminum or other harmful materials.
