Rooibos

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos grows in the Cederberg mountains of the Western Cape of South Africa. Here, craggy peaks and clean air provide the perfect environment for the unique health-enhancing Rooibos plant (Aspalathus linearis).

This is the only place in the world where Rooibos is grown, and at roughly 200km north to south and 60km east to west, this tiny production area belies the vast, worldwide reach Rooibos now enjoys. In addition, Rooibos is proud to carry a Protected Designation of Origin, which places it in the same category as other prestigious products, like Greek Yoghurt and Champagne. This means that, in order to carry the name Rooibos, the
product needs to be grown in this designated region and processed in a specific way.

How is Rooibos produced?

Rooibos forms part of the Cape Floral Kingdom, the smallest but most biodiverse of the 6 Floral Kingdoms. The Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) plant is a leguminous, broom-like shrub of approximately 1.5 metres tall. Its needle-like leaves, with their waxy cuticle, are uniquely adapted to the harsh, dry conditions it grows in. Its hidden superpower is its remarkable taproot system – a mature plant of 1.5 metres, has a taproot stretching down as far as 3-5 metres in search of elusive moisture. Rooibos (Red Bush) owes its name to its vibrant red stems.

During March, seeds which were collected from the fields by hand, are sown into nurseries, where they are lovingly cultivated. Six months later, after the winter rains, the seedlings are transplanted into fields to mature. A dry-land crop, Rooibos offers 3-4 annual harvests over its lifetime. From January to April, both leaf and stem is harvested – mostly by hand. Harvested Rooibos is then finely cut, before being bruised, aerated and watered to start the oxidation process which brings about Rooibos’s beautiful red hue and sweet aromas. It is then left to dry under the harsh African sun. The dried Rooibos is then sifted, screened, pasteurised and bagged for distribution to tea packers and exporters worldwide. To produce green Rooibos, the oxidation process is skipped, and the leaves and stems are dried directly.

Why is Rooibos good for you?

Rooibos is 100% pure and natural. What’s more, it is also rich in powerful Antioxidants that scavenge free radicals in the body, reducing signs of ageing, preventing cell damage and fighting certain cancers. It contains vasodilators, increasing heart health, as well as antispasmodics, soothing digestion. Rooibos aids in regulating blood sugar, aiding diabetes management. It is low in tannins, so it is naturally sweet and does not deplete iron reserves. It is low in oxalic acid, so it does not hinder mineral absorption and is safe for individuals with kidney stones. And best of all, it contains no additives, preservatives, colourants, kilojoules or caffeine.

Experience more on the Rooibos Route, where you could step back in time at the Old Gaol Museum or take in an audio-visual presentation on Rooibos production and do a tea tasting at House of Rooibos @ Rooibos Country Club. Or perhaps you would like to visit a rooibos farm? If so, make sure to stop at Skimmelberg for a farm tour. Top-quality restaurants with rooibos-infused meals, drinks and desserts are a must-stop – or book your accommodation en route. Try a refreshing cup of Rooibos, as well as buy many other Rooibos-inspired products.

Contact Us

Get in touch with us on any of the details below.

Tourism Bureau - Main Road

Clanwilliam

8135