Kookfontein farm Graafwater

Red tea, scientifically known as Aspalathus linearis, is a shrub from the Leguminosae family.

With needle-like leaves, this leguminous plant thrives on the mountain slopes of the Western Cape Province.

While it has been a staple for centuries in this region, its popularity is extending to Europe and Asia, captivating tea enthusiasts worldwide.

  • Source of antioxidants
  • Naturally caffeine free
  • Cancer-fighting properties
  • Low amounts of tannin
  • No negative side-effects
Kookfontein farm Graafwater
Kookfontein farm Graafwater

Natural Rooibos tea is typically brewed much like black tea, often enjoyed plain or with a splash of milk, and optionally sweetened with sugar or honey.

For a twist, some prefer adding a slice of lemon or using honey for sweetness instead of sugar.

Beyond traditional brewing, Rooibos can also be savoured as espresso, lattes, cappuccinos, or refreshing iced tea

When freshly harvested, natural rooibos tea boasts a significant amount of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which diminishes during tea-making.

Unlike black or green tea, rooibos is caffeine-free and has minimal tannin levels.

Rich in polyphenols such as flavanols, flavones, and flavanones, it also contains unique compounds like aspalathin and nothofagin.

Additionally, the processed leaves and stems harbour benzoic and cinnamic acids.

Meet Norman and Karin - Kookfontein Rooibos Tea

Our Story

We are Norman and Karin, and this is our home at the end of a long dirt road in the deep Cederberg mountains. For first-time visitors, the gravel track feels endless, but the moment you arrive, the wide-open beauty makes every bump worthwhile.

Since 2008, we’ve lived in a 1904 farmhouse surrounded by fynbos, wildlife, and the gentle scent of Rooibos drifting through the air. Leaving the city with only a few belongings and plenty of hope, we stepped into a life we knew nothing about. Farming came with both joyrides and bumpy roads—but through it all, we learned to listen to the land.

At Kookfontein, we grow only Natural Rooibos, dried slowly under the African sun. No sprays, no shortcuts—just honest tea, the way nature intended. This little farm isn’t only about Rooibos; it’s about slowing down, sharing stories, and honouring the heritage of South Africa’s West Coast.

For many of us, Rooibos is a simple childhood memory—warm in winter, cool as iced tea in summer. For us, it has become our way of life, rooted in family, tradition, and the red soil of the Cederberg. Read More