Wednesday, May 20, 2009

What is Rooibos?

Rooibos (Aspalathus Linearis) is a shrub that grows only in the mountains surrounding the Cedarberg in the Western Cape of South Africa. It was discovered hundreds of years ago by local Bushmen who cut its needle-like green leaves and stems and left them to ferment in the sun. Once fermented, the tea, distinctively red in colour, lent the bush's name to Rooibos tea, meaning "red bush". It is inherently sweet in flavour with woody undertones.

Rooibos has been enjoyed traditionally as a tea by generations of South Africans and, increasingly, by people all over the world. In 2005, red espresso® was invented and revolutionized Rooibos by turning it into the first tea to play by coffee's rules.

Photo above is courtesy of red espresso®.