South Africa

The southernmost country in Africa, South Africa is known for its multiethnic society (with11 official languages), sometimes tumultuous history, dramatic landscapes, exotic wildlife, and amazing biodiversity. South Africa is home to elephants, lions, leopards, zebra, rhinos, impalas, penguins, hyenas, hippopotamuses, and giraffes as well as 22,000 different plant species – or about 9% of all the know species of plants on earth, making it one of the richest regions in the world for plant biodiversity.

While South Africa does produce black tea (Camellia sinensis), the country’s total production is small, constituting less than 0.1% of the world’s total production. Thea tea that South Africa is best known for, however, is Rooibos, which grows exclusively in the Cederberg region, a coastal mountain area in the Western Cape, and isn’t found anywhere else in the world.

Rooibos, Aspalathus linearis, is a legume that grows on shrubs in well-drained, sandy soil. Rich in antioxidants and naturally caffeine-free, rooibos boasts a long list of impressive health benefits and is said to boost immune system, improve heart health, lower blood pressure, balance blood sugar, protects the nervous system, and even prevent aging in the skin. Rooibos contains antioxidant activity that rivals that of green tea, but is naturally caffeine-free, making it a great choice for evening or for people sensitive to caffeine.

Naturally sweet and refreshing, rooibos has a deep red, nectar-like infusion and a slightly earthy, nutty taste. This herb is delicious hot or iced and takes well to lemon and honey.