Grown in the Cederberg mountains, rooibos produces the drink known as «red tea» in the West. To become this hazelnut-flavored herbal drink, rooibos leaves undergo several transformations. The key step is rooibos fermentation. This determines the final characteristics of the products. A deep dive into the traditions of South Africa.
African red tea, its production secrets
Rooibos is a herbal infusion made in the purest tradition. The bush grows in the arid lands of the Cape. The leaves are then harvested and fermented to produce a health drink suitable for the whole family. Most plantations are part of a fair trade system.
From sprouting to harvest, the growth of the rooibos bush
Rooibos is a wild shrub from the Cederberg mountains, north of the Cape. Its seeds are harvested in nature. They are then planted in large fields at the foot of the mountain.
The leaves are harvested in summer, when the sun is generous. Each plant can withstand five harvests before dying.
The steps in making rooibos tea
Rooibos powder is prepared using fresh plants. Its preparation involves:
- cutting;
- grinding;
- fermenting;
- drying;
- and packaging (loose leaf).
From bundles to powder, the importance of red tea fermentation
Depending on the plantation, the indigenous people of South Africa grind the rooibos leaves before or after the process.
In all cases, the maturation takes place on bundles of leaves 20 centimeters thick. This stage lasts 12 hours at a temperature above 40°C. The bundles are regularly moistened with water. The product is then dried in the sun.
This transformation of the product is an essential and delicate step. It is at this point that the rooibos takes on its intense red color and its rounded, sweet flavor.
An organic infusion from the Cape — choosing the right product
In South Africa, there are several organic infusions. While they all contain numerous antioxidants, their health benefits are nonetheless slightly different.
Organic teas, one name for several products
At the heart of the Cederberg mountains, the people of the Cape create three distinct infusions:
- red rooibos;
- green rooibos;
- honeybush.
These three plants are free of theine and caffeine. Both substances are natural stimulants. Theine is abundant in black tea. Caffeine, meanwhile, is found in coffee and dark chocolate.
Nature has also endowed Cape infusions with numerous antioxidants. Medical studies provide positive information regarding their effect in the fight against cancer. However, the taste, color, and properties of these infusions differ.
The benefits of organic rooibos
Numerous scientific studies highlight the medicinal properties of rooibos. Their effects on health are positive and help alleviate certain conditions.
According to information from specialist articles, rooibos (red or green), rich in antioxidants, has an effect on:
- digestive disorders;
- sleep onset difficulties;
- cancer;
- skin and brain aging.
Red rooibos or green rooibos, making the right choice
Organic rooibos comes from the same Cederberg shrub. Their difference lies in their preparation.
Red rooibos is fermented. This removes some of its antioxidants but gives it a sweeter flavor. The infusion has a characteristic reddish color. This infusion is traditionally used for digestive issues.
Green rooibos is not fermented. It therefore preserves all the substances nature has given it. Its color has beautiful golden tones. Its aroma is fresher, reminiscent of plants. Its benefits for the skin are more powerful. It is also an iron chelator.
Rooibos teas — elevating them with original recipes
Loose-leaf rooibos is the one that gives infusions the most aroma. Its (organic) quality must be impeccable. Its fair trade origin is also a guarantee of fine flavor.
Water, the secret to a perfect rooibos infusion
In the opinion of seasoned enthusiasts, rooibos should only be prepared with spring water. This water must be at a temperature of 100°C.
For an aroma-rich rooibos, one teaspoon of the loose leaf is ideal for a 200 ml cup. The steeping time is at your discretion. However, below 10 minutes, the plant's bouquet of aromas does not have the opportunity to fully develop.
Organic spices and fruits to vary the flavor of rooibos
To vary the pleasures, recipes exist to delight every member of the family. With fruits or spices, rooibos develops surprisingly interesting flavor profiles.
Fair trade spices such as vanilla or cacao lend a soft and sweet note to the blend. Organic fruit zests, such as those from the citrus family, bring an exotic fragrance to the infusion.