Rooibos
Versatile, Natural, Healthy
What is Rooibos?
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis), also known as "red bush," is a unique natural product from South Africa. The plant belongs to the legume family and is the only one of the 278 Aspalathus species specifically cultivated for tea production. The shrubs, which can grow up to two meters tall, have needle-like leaves and small yellow flowers, from which Rooibos tea is made.
The most widely cultivated variety is Nortier, known for its fast growth and high quality. However, it is more susceptible to droughts and pests, making its cultivation challenging.
Due to climate change, the lifespan of cultivated Rooibos shrubs has significantly decreased—from twelve years to just five to seven years today. To counteract this, research increasingly focuses on wild-growing Rooibos varieties, which are better adapted to drought and use water more efficiently.
Although Rooibos is not technically a tea, it is classified as an herbal tea due to its preparation and taste. Commercially, Rooibos is divided into three quality grades: Standard, Choice, and Super/Selected.
Where Does Rooibos Grow?
Rooibos grows exclusively in the Cederberg region and surrounding areas of South Africa, such as the Sandveld and Bokkeveld Plateau. This region, part of the unique Fynbos plant community, stretches along the southwestern coast from Port Elizabeth to the Cederberg mountains. The combination of hot, dry summers, cool, moist winters, and sandy, acidic soils creates ideal growing conditions for the plant.
The taproots, which reach depths of up to two meters, allow the plant to access deep groundwater reserves and absorb sufficient moisture and nutrients, even during the dry summer months from November to May. This robust root system helps Rooibos withstand the harsh environmental conditions of its native region.
The special fermentation process that begins after harvest gives Rooibos its characteristic reddish-brown color and unique mild flavor. Rooibos is thus not only a product of nature but also a testament to the distinctive characteristics of its homeland.
What Makes Rooibos Special?
Rooibos is rich in minerals, polyphenols, and essential oils. Notably, it contains Aspalathin, an antioxidant found exclusively in Rooibos.
The health benefits of Rooibos include:
- Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and iron.
- Polyphenols and flavonoids, especially Aspalathin, which has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Essential oils that give the tea its distinctive, earthy, and nutty aroma.
- Caffeine-free and low in histamines, making it particularly suitable for individuals sensitive to caffeine or with histamine intolerance.
Its unique flavor – slightly earthy, floral, and nutty – makes Rooibos a delightful beverage that is both tasty and beneficial.
Diverse Applications
Rooibos is not only a popular tea but is also used in cosmetics and wellness products. Its antioxidant properties make it a sought-after ingredient in skincare.
How the Protected Designation of Origin Safeguards Rooibos’ Cultural Heritage
In May 2021, Rooibos became the first African food product to receive Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status under EU Regulation No. 1151/2021. This designation ensures that Rooibos can only be marketed under this name if it originates from 16 specifically defined regions in South Africa’s Western and Northern Cape and is produced using traditional methods. These regions include the Cederberg area, the Sandveld, and the Bokkeveld Plateau.
It is important to note that growing Rooibos plants outside these regions is permitted; however, the product cannot be labeled as “Rooibos.” This regulation protects the quality, authenticity, and deep-rooted connection of Rooibos to its native region.
The Protected Designation of Origin not only highlights the uniqueness of Rooibos but also preserves the economic interests of the South African farming regions. Additionally, it secures the cultural heritage of the indigenous Khoikhoi people, who have passed down their knowledge of cultivating and processing the plant for generations. Rooibos is more than just a tea – it is a symbol of tradition, sustainability, and cultural identity.