Rooibos awarded 'Protected Designation of Origin' (PDO) status

Rooibos is the first African food to receive the distinguished PDO status.

The European Commission has given Rooibos the status of a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Geographical Indicator (GI) in the EU register. Rooibos joins other protected food and drinks products such as Irish Whisky and Champagne. PDO’s recognise the specificity of the country of origin of a product and transparency for consumers around the authenticity of a product. One of our trusted Rooibos suppliers has stated that the PDO is a positive move to ensure that their “heritage is safeguarded for posterity and will benefit the producers in our region”. 

Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is also commonly known as Red Bush or African Red Tea and is an important part of South Africa’s rich culture, alongside other plants such as Bucha. It is cultivated in the fynbos of Western and Northern Cape region of South Africa and has been enjoyed for over 300 years by Khoisans, the indigenous Bushmen of the region, first documented by Western Botanists in 1722. It is used as a tisane or herbal tea and is caffeine-free.

Rooibos grows in stony, inhospitable land – ours originates from the Cederberg Mountains in the south-west of the country. The plant has yellow flowers and needle-like leaves, and after harvesting the branches of the shrubs are bound in bundles and transported for further processing. Rooibos undergoes a natural fermentation process and it is this process that results in the characteristic rich ruby-red, brown colour of Rooibos tea. After fermentation, the tea is spread out and dried under the African sun.

Our delicious, refreshing Rooibos originates from the Cederberg Mountains in the south west of South Africa. It undergoes a natural fermentation process, which results in the characteristic rich ruby-red, brown colour of Rooibos tea, after which the tea is spread out and dried under the African sun. We supply Rooibos in powder or leaf forms, or as part of a delicious Rooibos Cocoa Chai Blend.

Our Rooibos Cocoa Chai for a comforting warm blend of Rooibos leaf, Honeybush leaf, Cassia bark, Cocoa shells, Cardamom pod, Orange peel and Clove bud  - just as delicious with or without milk in a loose leaf or pyramid tea bag. You can find our other Rooibos products, including the milder Green Rooibos on our Products & Price List, or get in touch directly via +44 (0) 1823 401205 or info@organicherbtrading.com.

Further reading: 

https://www.tea.co.uk/news/article/european-commission-approves-the-registration-of-rooibosred-bush-in-its-register-of-protected-designations-of-origin

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/top-5-health-benefits-of-rooibos-tea

Image credit: Jaco Wolmarans

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