rooibos

Rooibos

Not actually a tea per se, Rooibos is a plant with thin twigs and small needle-like leaves. It’s cultivated on plantations in South Africa, in the Cederberg mountains. It doesn’t contain caffeine, so can be drunk any time of the day by adults and children alike.

After harvesting, the crop's cut into small, even pieces and then fermented/oxidised and dried. This process of oxidisation lends it a typical amber colour and sweetish aroma. The result is red rooibos tea with a honeyish tone, which is considered typical for the beverage.

Green rooibos is processed in a similar way, except without the fermentation/oxidation stage, resulting in a flavour resembling a herb.

Health benefits

Rooibos tea is rich in antioxidants, contains no caffeine and has a very good effect on human health. In particular, it works against allergies, digestive disorders, nervousness, insomnia and depression. It has preventive effects against cancer and cardiovascular disease.