About Rooibos

Explore the rich heritage and diverse benefits of Rooibos, a South African treasure cherished worldwide.

The Benefits of Rooibos

HIGH IN ANTI-OXIDANTS

Contains the unique anti-oxidant Aspalathin, found nowhere else
Scavenges free radicals, reducing signs of aging
Prevents cell damage, fighting certain cancers
Contains vasodilators, increasing heart health
Contains antispasmodics, soothing digestion
Regulates blood sugar, aiding diabetes management

NATURALLY CAFFEINE FREE

LOW IN TANNINS

100% PURE AND NATURAL

LOW IN OXALIC ACID

The Story of Rooibos

A HISTORY AS COLOURFUL AS ITS HOMELAND

Known as ‘nature’s great gift of the Cederberg’, this bush has long thrived in this small but botanically rich region of the Western Cape in South Africa. But 1904 was a pivotal year.

Russian immigrant Benjamin Ginsberg realised the enormous potential of this medicinal, fragrant plant. Descended from generations of tea traders, Ginsberg was well equipped to introduce Rooibos to a world far beyond its humble origins.

However, he was hampered by the fact that Rooibos was not yet commercially cultivated, but harvested from the wild.

In 1930, two locals came together to change the game and take Rooibos cultivation to a whole new level.

Dr P le Fras Nortier, a GP and keen botanist, and Olof Bergh, a commercial farmer, pooled their expertise and discovered how to germinate the seeds, developing new cultivation methods to grow the crop on a much larger scale. Four generations later, the Bergh family (see more information under “Our Management Team”) is still inextricably intertwined with Rooibos.

Rooibos Country

HUMBLE ORIGINS, GLOBAL IMPACT

Rooibos grows in the mountainous regions of the Western Cape of South Africa, which is a semi-arid winter rainfall region. Here, it finds its home in poor, sandy soil, in temperatures reaching well into the 40°Cs in summer.

At roughly 200km north to south and 60km east to west, this tiny production area belies the vast, worldwide reach Rooibos now enjoys. Since the potential of Rooibos was realised from its humble origins at the turn of the century, it has truly made a global impact.

This is the only place in the world where Rooibos is grown. In addition, Rooibos is proud to carry a Protected Designation of Origin, which places it in the same category as other prestigious products, like Greek Yoghurt and Champagne. This means that, in order to carry the name Rooibos, the product needs to be grown in this designated region and processed in a specific way.

The Rooibos Plant

A UNIQUELY SOUTH AFRICAN PLANT

Rooibos forms part of the fynbos biome of the Cape Floral Kingdom, which is the smallest but most biodiverse of the 6 Floral Kingdoms. It is also the only one which is contained within a single country.

The Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) plant is a leguminous broom-like shrub which stands at approximately 1.5 metres tall. Its needle-like leaves, with their waxy cuticle, are uniquely adapted to the harsh, dry conditions it grows in.

Its hidden superpower is its remarkable taproot system – a mature plant of 1.5 metres, has a taproot stretching down as far as 3-5 metres in search of elusive moisture. Rooibos (Red Bush) owes its name to its vibrant red stems.