Rooibos Tea
African Rooibos Tea
*** Rooibos USA ***
Red Bush Tea is now available in US
From the Western Cape of South Africa we bring the
hidden gem - Red Bush Tea - nicknamed Rooibos by
the natives. Rooibos meaning red bush is actually green
in color.Fermentation process changes color of Rooibos to red.
The hidden secret ofthe Western Cape
South Africa is famous for Worlds best diamonds.
Diamonds are mined deep beneath the earth
Rooibos - Red Bush Tea,one of South Africa's most precious
commodities grows on the slopes of Cedarberg Mountains that were
formed many thousands of years ago by the Earth's volcanic eruptions
What is African Rooibos Tea ?
Rooibos - the beginning ...
Rooibos seeds are planted from February to March. Seedlings are transferred from nursery to the fields from June to August. It takes approx. 18 months for the Rooibos plant to mature.
The Rooibos plant is harvested annually with a 3 - 5 year life cycle.
Rooibos - Harvest
During harvest Rooibos is cut above ground , bundled, and transported to the processing plant.
where it is cut to the uniform length.
Rooibos - Fermentation
The next process is similar to the manufacture of black tea - Rooibos is bruised in order to release the enzymes that instantly begin the fermentation process.
This type of fermentation is also called oxidation and does not produce alcohol.
The combination of enzymes, tannin, and oxygen turns Rooibos red - just like a tree leaf in the fall
In the next step Rooibos is fermented outdoors in South African sunshine
Rooibos - Final process
Large vacuum machines are used to collect Rooibos and the next step
Rooibos is then sorted and graded.
In the final step Rooibos is pasteurized by steam and dried.
Rooibos is then inspected by a quality control crew that will perform visual, taste
and chemical ( laboratory ) purity tests.
At this time Rooibos is ready for consumption. It is packaged in paper sacks
and shipped to its next destination.
HOME
Rooibos and Rooibos Tea - cultivation from seed to delicious cup of Rooibos tea. Cape town, South Africa is home to the famous " Aspalathus Linearis " plant nicknamed Rooibos - Red Bush.
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