Rooibos
In order to ensure a uniform and healthy growth, the rooibos bushes are planted in small seedbeds. This is done in the South African late summer, from February to March. The seeds are mechanically processed to enable a high germination rate.
The following fall, the seedlings are harvested by hand and planted in fields on the Cederbergs. This is followed by an 18-month growth phase, after which the first harvest takes place. The bushes are manually cut about 40cm above the ground to allow the plant to continue growing for up to 4 more harvests.
Following harvest, the plants are mechanically crushed and rolled, then soaked with water in order to initiate fermentation. During this process, the tea not only gains its familiar reddish-brown colour, but the sweet aroma compounds and numerous flavonoids are also formed. The fermented rooibos is then sun-dried to stop the fermentation, then sorted and finally steamed and dried.
Single Origin
This tea is 100% from Cape Agulhas. Sourced directly from the tea farmer.