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About Rooibos Tea
Rooibos tea is a naturally caffeine-free tea made from the Rooibos shrub, Aspalathus linearis. The green, needle-like leaves of the plant are cut and left to dry in the hot African sun.
They turn a beautiful mahogany red colour, thus giving the plant its Afrikaans name, Rooibos, (red bush).
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The Rooibos Plant
Rooibos plants grow exclusively on the Cedarberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa.
Despite very little rainfall and a sandy, acidic soil containing virtually no nitrogen, the rooibos plant thrives. Its very long taproot reaches deep down into the soil for water. With no irrigation or fertilization, the plants grow and are harvested today much as they were in the past.
As a legume, the roots take in nitrogen from the air, 'fixing' it into the plant.
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History of Rooibos Tea
For centuries, rooibos tea was consumed by the Khoisan tribe of South Africa, who used it as a herbal medicine.
In the 18th century, botanists reported its use as a beverage. Generations of South Africans started to enjoy its distinctive sweet taste, as yet unaware of its natural powers and the wide spectrum of its applications.
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Properties of Rooibos Tea
- naturally grown
- caffeine-free
- no artificial colours or flavours
- free of preservatives
- very low in tannin
- rich in antioxidants
- rich in minerals
- beneficial for numerous health problems
- anti-allergenic
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Features of Rooibos Tea
Enjoying its taste is only the beginning
- Savour its distinctive taste, colour and aroma!
- Drink it hot or cold!
- Infuse for any length of time!
- Reheat with no loss of its naturally sweet flavour!
- Add lemon, honey or milk as desired!
- Enjoy as an iced drink or mix with fruit juice!
- Replace any liquid in a recipe!
- Use it as a natural meat tenderizer!
- Discover it as a skin cleanser!
