Red Bush, which is also known as Rooibos (or "red tea") has an interesting history.
You might have read on previous pages that this herbal tea rivals the benefits offered by green tea, and serves as a great tea substitute. But this beverage is quite young in the steeping world of tea drinkers, and it is only as of late that it has made an appearance to the rest of the world.
Part of that reason is that Red Bush, as it is called locally, is native to, and only to, a small region of South Africa.
Rooibos history starts in 1772 as it was first reported by botanist Carl Thunberg. However the brew of this native plant was discovered ages before by local Khoisan people as they have been enjoying it for many years prior to Thunberg's find.
In the year 1903, a Russian settler named Benjamin Ginsberg found great potential in Rooibos, and pursaed them to trade their herb to him.
Shortly after, he became the first person to export this newly discovered Rooibos tea, and used his connections with the family tea business to aid him.
In the 1930's, Rooibos history continues, as Ginsberg, along with the help from a local doctor, began to experiement on cultitivation of Red Bush. At first it seemed like a good business idea and was successful, however when other farmers attempted to grow the shurbs, they met obstacles.
The seeds of Red Bush are extremly small and not very plentiful, which let to the sale of these seeds to reach unreasonable prices. Too much for the farmers to find profit.
Luckly, a woman cultivator who always seemed to delivery impressive quanities of seeds shared her secret in finding them. She noticed one day several ants dragging the sand-grain-sized seeds into their anthills where a handsome supply awaited.
Since then the market for Rooibos has ever increased, and just recently in 2002, the worldwide market is finding a place for this once unheard of beverage as more and more tea companies offer Rooibos as a product.
Rooibos is also known as "red tea" in the western world, and may one day be found in bottles, tea bags, and even coffee shops, as news of its delightful sweet nutty taste and health benefits reach consumers ears.
As for me, I already have experienced Red Bush, and will continue to enjoy this South African herbal tea! In fact, I had a cup of "apple cinnamon" flavored Rooibos as I wrote this. :)
