The complete guide to red tea production

Grown in the Cederberg mountains, rooibos produces the drink called "red tea" in the West. To become this herbal tea with a taste of roasted hazelnut, rooibos leaves undergo several transformations. The main step is the fermentation of rooibos. This determines the final characteristics of the products. A dive into the heart of South African traditions.

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 obtain a healthy drink suitable for the whole family. Most plantations are part of a fair trade system.

From growth to harvest, the development of the rooibos bush

The rooibos is a wild bush from the Cederberg mountains, north of Cape Town. Its seeds are harvested in the wild. They are then planted in large fields at the foot of the mountain.nThe leaves are harvested in summer, when the sun is generous. Each plant can withstand five harvests before dying.

The steps of rooibos tea production

The rooibos powder is prepared with fresh plants. Its preparation is done by:

• cutting;
• grinding;
• fermenting;
• drying;
• and packaging (loose leaf).

From bundles to powder, the importance of red tea fermentation

Depending on the plantations, the South African natives grind the rooibos leaves before or after the process.nIn any case, the maturation takes place on bundles of leaves 20 centimeters thick. This step lasts 12 hours at a temperature of over 40°C. The bundles are regularly watered. Then the product is dried in the sun.nThis transformation of the product is an essential and delicate step. It's at this moment that the rooibos takes on its intense red color and its round and sweet taste.

An organic infusion from the Cape, choosing your product wisely

In South Africa, there are several organic infusions. While they all have numerous antioxidants, their health benefits are slightly different.

Organic teas, the same name for several products

In the heart of the Cederberg mountains, the Captonians create three distinct infusions:

• the red rooibos;
• the green rooibos;
• the honeybush.

nThese three plants are free of theine and caffeine. These two substances are natural stimulants. Theine is abundant in black tea. Caffeine, on the other hand, is found in coffee and dark chocolate. nNature has also endowed Captonian infusions with numerous antioxidants. Medical studies provide positive information about their effect in the fight against cancer. However, the taste, color, and virtues of the infusions are different.

The benefits of organic rooibos

Numerous scientific studies highlight the medicinal properties of rooibos. Their effects on health are positive and alleviate certain diseases.nAccording to information from specialized articles, rooibos (red or green), rich in antioxidants, has an effect on:

• digestive diseases;
• sleep disorders;
• cancer;
• skin and brain aging.

Red rooibos or green rooibos, making the right choice

The organic rooibos comes from the same Cederberg bush. Their difference lies in their preparation.nThe 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.nThe green rooibos is not fermented. It therefore preserves all the substances that nature has endowed it with. Its color has beautiful golden reflections. Its aroma is fresher, like that of plants. Its skin benefits are more powerful. It's also an iron chelator.

Rooibos teas, enhancing them with original recipes

Loose rooibos is the one that gives the most flavor to infusions. Its quality (organic) must be impeccable. Its fair trade origin is also a guarantee of good flavor.

Water, the secret to a successful rooibos infusion

According to experienced enthusiasts, rooibos should only be prepared with spring water. The water temperature should be 100°C.nFor a flavorful rooibos, one teaspoon of powder is ideal for a 200 ml cup. The steeping time is up to your preference. However, below 10 minutes, the plant's bouquet of aromas doesn't have the opportunity to fully develop.

Organic spices and fruits to vary the flavor of rooibos

To vary the pleasures, recipes exist to appeal to all family members. With fruits or spices, rooibos develops surprising taste effects.nFair trade spices such as vanilla or cocoa give a sweet and mellow note to the blend. Organic fruit zests, such as those from the citrus family, bring an exotic fragrance to the infusion.