Welcome to the world of Rooibos tea, where each sip tells a story of tradition and nature. Join us on a journey through South Africa’s Western Cape as we explore the various types of Rooibos, its rise to fame, and the names it has been called over time.

The name “Rooibos” comes from Afrikaans, with “rooi” meaning red and “bos” meaning bush, perfectly reflecting the rich hue of the tea. Interestingly, Rooibos isn’t traditional tea; it’s classified as a herb. Derived from the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis plant, native to South Africa’s fynbos biome, it offers a unique flavour and many health benefits.

Once upon a time in the heart of South Africa, the Khoisan people, guardians of ancient wisdom, lived in harmony with nature. Unbeknownst to them, their everyday lives held the key to unlocking one of nature’s treasures – Rooibos tea.

In this enchanting tale, we travel back to a time when the land was untouched. One sunny day, a Khoisan woman with keen eyes made a remarkable discovery. As she lay on the earth, attuned to nature’s rhythm, she noticed ants scurrying about, carrying seeds in their tiny mandibles. Intrigued, she followed their trail to uncover something extraordinary.

To her amazement, the ants were hoarding the seeds of the Rooibos plant. Inspired by this marvel, the Khoisan woman realized she could harness the land’s power. She began to collect Rooibos seeds by the handful, unknowingly planting the seeds for a thriving industry.

As time passed, Rooibos tea transformed from a simple beverage into a symbol of resilience and innovation. With each sip, people worldwide taste the legacy of the Khoisan woman and her remarkable discovery.

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is a fascinating legume that thrives naturally in the Cederberg and surrounding areas of Southwestern South Africa. The second part of its name, linearis, highlights the unique shape of its needle-like leaves, which are used to create this beloved tea.

What’s truly intriguing is the variety of local names for this remarkable plant, still cherished by the older inhabitants of the region, including:

• Koopman’s tee (Merchant tea)
• Naald tee (Needle tea)
• Bossies tee (Bush tea)
• Veld tea
• Poor Man’s Coffee

Isn’t it fascinating how one plant can be known by so many different names?

The term “Rooibos” refers to tea prepared through a traditional fermentation process. This involves cutting, bruising, and wetting the leaves with water, allowing them to ferment for about 12 hours. During this enzymatic oxidation, the leaves transform from green to a distinctive amber hue. Finally, the rooibos is spread out in the sun to dry.

Wild Rooibos is the term for rooibos that grows naturally in the veld (field) where it occurs. A fascinating resource on this is The Sustainable Harvest of Wild Rooibos by Rhoda Malgas and Noel Oettle.

Organic Rooibos, whether red or green, is cultivated without artificial fertilizers or pesticides. Its organic status is verified by various international organizations that provide certification.

Green Rooibos is harvested, cut, and immediately dried without undergoing fermentation. This results in a lighter color compared to traditional rooibos. Both traditional and green rooibos contain polyphenols, though they differ in types and possess anti-mutagenic properties.

In recent years, Rooibos has surged in popularity as consumers increasingly seek natural and healthy alternatives to traditional tea. Its versatility has led to its use in a variety of products, from skincare to beverages and desserts. Moreover, Rooibos has become a symbol of sustainability, with many farmers adopting eco-friendly practices to preserve the land for future generations.