Rooibos plant Aspalathus linearis

The unique Rooibos plant Aspalathus linearis only grows in the mountainous Cederberg region 250 km to the north of Cape Town. Here, the clean air and pure mountain streams nourish the mountain slopes on which Rooibos is grown. The Cape Province is one of the major floral kingdoms of the world and is home to over 4000 different plant species. Many of these species can only thrive in localised ‘micro-climates’. The Cederberg mountain range, near Clanwilliam, with its clean air and pure mountain streams, boast such a micro-climate. In this region of winter rainfall and coarse sandy soil is the only place in the world where Rooibos grows in its natural state. The locals of the area were first to discover that the fine needle-like leaves of the plant made a tasty, aromatic tea. It was not until 1904 that a Russian immigrant and pioneer realised its marketing potential. Benjamin Ginsberg came from a family who had been in the tea industry in Europe for centuries providing him with know-how to market this new “mountain tea”. Rooibos is a natural caffeine free product, rich in antioxidants, minerals and polyphenols, and free of any additives, preservatives or colourants. It is also anti-spasmodic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-allergenic. Rooibos has many uses. It can be enjoyed as a health-enhancing tea, or used as a magic ingredient to add nutritional value, health benefits, colour or flavour to food, drinks and other products.

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