Rooibos

The Cederberg mountains with their craggy peaks and clean air provide the perfect environment for the unique health-enhancing Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis). The Cederberg is the only place on earth where Rooibos is found. Rooibos is refreshing and soothing, and it has many health-giving properties. It contains powerful antioxidants that fight free radicals. The minerals in Rooibos also enhance the nutritional value of food and drinks. Rooibos is indeed the magic ingredient that will turn an ordinary recipe into an extraordinary one.

Do experience more on the Rooibos Route, where you could go back in history at the Old Gaol Museum, visit Rooibos Ltd company, do a teatasting at the Rooibos Tea House. Or would you like to visit a rooibosfarm on Route, make sure to stop at Skimmelberg. Restaurants with rooibos infused meals, cakes etc. is a must stop, or book your accommodation on route. Try a refreshing cup of Rooibos, as well as buy many other Rooibos-inspired products.

The valleys of the Cederberg are also used extensively for citrus farming with harvesting from April to August, as well as table and wine grapes which are harvested from December to February.

Why Rooibos is good for you - Rooibos is 100% pure and natural. What’s more, it is also rich in powerful antioxidants and minerals. A scientific study conducted at the Oxidative Stress Research Centre at Cape Peninsula University of Technology in Cape Town recently, proved that Rooibos can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and protects the body against oxidative damage. The trial also showed that Rooibos is safe for the liver and kidneys, and helps to keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels in a normal range.

More good news: Rooibos reduces the effects of allergies, and relieves stomach cramps and colic in infants. It has a soothing effect on the central nervous system and helps to relieve headaches, irritability, tension and disturbed sleeping patterns. And best of all, it contains no additives, preservatives, colourants, kilojoules or caffeine.

How is Rooibos tea produced - The indigenous Rooibos plant grows in the rugged Cederberg Mountains. The thin, needle-like leaves of about 10 mm in length are green at first when they are harvested in summer, but turn a beautiful dark red during fermentation. In traditional Rooibos the green leaves and stems of the plant are bruised and “fermented” overnight before being spread open to dry in the African sun.

The fermentation step is actually an oxidation process brought about by enzymes naturally present in the plant. To produce green Rooibos, the fermentation process is skipped, and the leaves and stems are dried directly. Next, the Rooibos is screened, pasteurised, bagged and then distributed to tea packers and exporters worldwide.