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Rooibos Production
The Rooibos production area in South Africa reached about 37,000 Ha in 2005. An increase in production is expected this year, as farmers are gradually shifting from grain and other fynbos production. Fynbos are bushy plants with small fine stems and leaves adapted to the Mediterranean type climate of the South Western Cape.
Rooibos seeds are grown from February to March, and seedlings are planted out during the southern hemisphere's winter months of July and August. The plants reach maturity level for harvesting at 18 months.
Harvesting starts in December and ends in April. It is conducted by hand using a sickle. The mature rooibos plant is harvested approximately 30 cm from the ground. The re-growth is softer and herbaceous, while the bottom part is woody.
Leaves are cut with either roller cutters or normal tobacco cutting machines. They are then spread on the tea court to a thickness of about 30 cm, and are covered with sheets that promote fermentation. This turns the tea into a deep dark red colour. Solar drying takes 3 days. Tea quality is determined by fermentation, which is therefore carefully monitored. The tea is then pasteurized before a second drying period.
South Africa's Perishable Product Export Council (PPECB) does testing on all consumable products, including rooibos.