Country of Origin: South Africa
Region: Cedarburg
Shipping Port: Cape Town
Grade: Choice Grade #1
Altitude: 1500 - 2500 ft. above sea level
Manufacture Type: Fermentation turns the leaves from green to deep red and gives a slightly sweet note
Cup Characteristics: Fruity with sweet notes, the lavendar gives the Rooibos an interesting floral character
Infusion: Reddish orange to full color (depends on brewing time and quantity used)
Ingredients: Rooibos, Rosehip shells, Dried black currants, Rose leaves, Lavender, Raisins, Dried red currants, Rose petals, Dried blueberries, Natural flavors
Information:
The story of Rooibos starts around the turn of the century in South Africa's beautiful Cedarberg region. It was the locals of the area who first discovered that the fine needle like leaves of the wild Aspalathus Linearis plant made a tasty aromatic tea. It was they who first harvested the plants, chopped them with axes and bruised them with hammers leaving them to ferment before drying in the sun. Rooibos is a herb that contains no caffeine. Those that consume Rooibos have claimed that it has a soothing effect on headaches, disturbed sleeping patterns and digestive problems.
Rooibos seeds are planted during February and March. They are tended for 18 months after which they are harvested. Cut Rooibos is bound and milled to a uniform length then bruised between rollers to trigger the fermentation process, which results in the characteristic flavor and sweet aroma. We then add a full and rich Earl Grey flavoring which gives this Earl Grey Rooibos a classic English taste.
200 ml (about 7 ounces) of brewed Rooibos contains the following nutrients:
| Nutrient | Function in the Body | per 200 ml |
| Iron (Fe) | Essential for transport of oxygen in the blood | 0.07 mg |
| Potassium (K) | Assists certain metabolic functions | 7.12 mg |
| Calcium (Ca) | Necessary for strong teeth and bones | 1.09 mg |
| Copper (Cu) | Assists certain metabolic processes | 0.07 mg |
| Zinc (Zn) | Necessary for normal growth and development of healthy skin | 0.04 mg |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Assists a healthy nervous system and other metabolic processes | 1.57 mg |
| Fluoride(F) | Necessary for strong teeth and bones | 0.22 mg |
| Manganese (Mn) | Assists metabolic processes and bone growth and development | 0.04 mg |
| Sodium(Na) | Necessary for fluid and acid-base balance | 6.16 mg |
Hot tea brewing method: Bring freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 teaspoon of Rooibos for each cup into the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the pot, cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes. Pour into your cup; add milk and sugar to taste.
Iced tea brewing method (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 teaspoons of Rooibos into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Pour 1 1/4 cups of freshly boiled water over the Rooibos. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the Rooibos into the serving pitcher straining the leaves. Add ice and top-up with cold water. Garnish and sweeten to taste.
