Research and new trends

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The History of Rooibos

Imagine sitting around a campfire sipping a cup of steaming hot rooibos tea on a cold night, listening to stories from long before you were even born. Unknown pioneering people coming alive in the flickering flame, giving you a renewed appreciation for what is in your hand. Such is the story of rooibos. An accidental…

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Implications of the Rooibos GI/PDO certification

What does it mean to be GI/PDO certified? The excerpts below explain the technicalities behind the certification, and why it is so important for our product and for South Africa. Protection of the name ‘rooibos’ The name of ‘Rooibos’/’Red Bush’ can only be used to refer to the dried leaves and stems of 100 %…

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Rooibos awarded Protected Geographical Indicator (GI) Status by the EU

We have a great cause for celebration! Not only has our much-loved indigenous rooibos finally been registered as a geographic indicator (GI) and awarded Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status by the European Union (Regulation (EU)No 1151/2012), but it is also the first African food to achieve this status. What does this mean? GIs are…

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News From The Farm July 2021

The latest news from the farm in Citrusdal. The skies opened up with heavy seasonal rainfall during the first week of July, giving our farmers the perfect opportunity to plant new seedlings. We’re feeling optimistic about this year’s new crops, with the Olifants River running through Citrusdal being the fullest it’s been since 1994, promising…

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The Rooibos Access and Benefit Sharing Agreement

The Rooibos Access and Benefit-Sharing Agreement recognize the Khoikhoi and San peoples as the traditional knowledge holders to the uses of Rooibos, an indigenous plant species found only in the Cederberg region of South Africa. In November 2019, the world’s first industry-wide benefit-sharing agreement was launched in South Africa between the Khoikhoi and San, and…

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Rooibos now recognized as a Geographical Indicator (GI) by the European Commission

The European Commission now recognises Rooibos as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indicator (GI). The authenticity and quality of rooibos has become fully visible for European and global consumers, with benefits for South African producers and the rural communities living and working on rooibos farms. Rooibos is the first African food to…

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8 Ways to Use Tea Bags (Besides Brewing Tea)

Besides brewing your favourite cup of tea, the humble tea bag can do so much more for you! Our teas come in so many flavours and styles, giving you endless uses for this versatile pantry staple. Whether you are looking to add extra flavour to your home baking or to create a DIY spa day,…

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News from the farm

Stay updated on the latest news direct from the farm. 2020 was not a great tea yielding year for us, but the tea we did harvest was of very good quality. Over the last few years, we have expanded our tea planting radius into new areas adjacent to Citrusdal but have found that these fields…

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Happiness and Rooibos Tea

Can rooibos tea be key to health and happiness? The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our lives. It has fundamentally changed the way we live, dress, work and interact with each other. It has also forced us to hit the reset button and question what makes us truly happy. To get a…

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Rooibos health benefits backed by evidence

There has been much debate about the host of benefits claimed to be present in South Africa’s miracle plant, rooibos. Rooibos is considered a superfood, containing an abundance of antioxidants and other immune-boosting health benefits. According to this research fact sheet by the Cancer Association of South Africa, “Evidence of the health benefits of Rooibos…

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