We are welcoming in the month of May with a cup of Hope & Glory Rooibos. Deep mahogany red in colour with a wonderfully smooth and nutty character – this is a great alternative to decaffeinated tea if you want to go caffeine free. Try it with or without milk, this is the only herbal tisane to which I would ever add milk.
Rooibos is commonly known as Red Bush, Bush Tea, or Rooibosch (scientific name Aspalathus linearis). It is a broom-like plant, grown in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa.
Attempts to grow it elsewhere including the USA and China, have previously failed – as it is the microclimatic conditions in Cederberg that makes this special plant endemic to this region. The leaves or needles are harvested, and usually oxidised (in the same manner that black tea is made) which gives the distinct rich red colour and well-rounded mouthfeel.
Our Rooibos is a high quality grade (take a look – all needles, no stalk!) and is 100% organic (no pesticides – pure & simple).
As well as being home to the glorious Rooibos plant, South Africa is also a member of the Commonwealth group of nations, and has been visited numerous times by our monarch, The Queen.
Like us, the Commonwealth nations will be gearing up to a summer season of parties to celebrate our Queen’s 90th birthday. Starting this month, we have the official birthday party in Windsor Castle, London to look forward to (12-15th May). So if you are not lucky enough to have tickets, you can still tune in to watch from the comfort of your own home…preferably with a warming cup of Rooibos!
