Tea-lovers from around the world will be breaking out the fine china on 15 December 2017 in celebration of International Tea Day.
Next to water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and can be enjoyed anywhere, anytime. In fact, on any given day around two billion people sip on the brew.
Homegrown rooibos tea, known for its abundant health benefits, is a firm favourite among South Africans and tea connoisseurs the world-over. It can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways – hot or cold – and is becoming very popular in wine, gin, vodka, cider and cocktails, and is used as a flavour enhancer in yoghurt, ice creams, syrups, sauces, foods and more.
It is also considered an essential ingredient in beauty products and can be found in age-defying skin creams, cosmetics, shampoos, soaps and fragrances, and comes in countless still and sparkling iced tea varieties.
According to Ernest du Toit, a director of the SA Rooibos Council, rooibos tea, which is exclusively grown in the Cederberg region, is becoming one of the fastest-growing beverages in the drinks market globally.
“Worldwide consumption of rooibos is at around 15 000 tons per annum and the growing demand for the product has pushed exports up to more than 7 000 tons per year. If both export and local volumes were sold and enjoyed as pure rooibos, it would equate to roughly six billion cups of rooibos tea per annum.”
South Africa exports rooibos tea to over 30 countries, including Germany, the Netherlands, Japan, UK and US. Germany still remains by far the biggest importer of rooibos tea at 31%, with the Netherlands at 16% and Japan at 15%.
Du Toit highlights that the new-found appreciation of fine tea, has led to a rush in establishing smart tea bars and tea shops which are popping up on every street corner and has also resulted in a renewed interest in and a growing demand for rooibos.
“Tea is becoming the new coffee of the 21st century,” he remarks. “Tea-lovers are no longer content with indifferent mass-market tea. They are graduating to higher-quality tea bags and choice loose leaves, and tea companies are responding by offering an ever-wider variety of teas. Packers, sellers, exporters, along with people who sell tea-making equipment and publish books and blogs on tea are benefiting from the tea revolution. Given the passion for, and the variety and expertise that already exists for wine, beer, coffee and even bottled water, it was inevitable that tea would be next on the list. And, wherever you look, rooibos seems to be taking centre stage.”
So, in celebrating International Tea Day solo, why not try some of the deliciously decadent rooibos cocktail recipes found on SA Rooibos
Here’s one example:
ROOIBOS LIQUEUR
Ingredients
- 750ml Brandy
- 2 cloves
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- 750ml strong, hot Rooibos
- 600g white sugar (750ml)
- 25ml honey
Method
- Add cloves and cinnamon to the brandy, shake the bottle and allow it to infuse overnight.
- Heat sugar and Rooibos tea over moderate heat until sugar has dissolved.
- Boil uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in honey.
- Remove cloves and cinnamon from the brandy.
- Add the brandy to the tea syrup and mix well.
- Pour into sterilized bottles and seal.
Who loves their tea?
Grant ‘Twiggy’ Baker (pictured left), SA Surf Champion and 2016/2017 Big Wave Tour World Champ has always been a fan of rooibos. He usually starts and ends off his day with either a cup of hot rooibos or iced rooibos tea and will be doing the same on International Tea Day too.
Jean-Marc Louis, SA Skateboarding Champion, says he’ll be doubling up on rooibos tea on International Tea Day to get the most out of his training session. He loves the refreshing taste and the extra energy boost it provides.
One of Amy Kleinhans-Curd, ex Miss SA’s age defying secrets lie in a daily cup of rooibos tea. She’ll be sipping on a steaming cup of rooibos on International Tea Day, which she describes as one of South Africa’s most valuable natural treasures.
Well-known TV presenter and voice-over artist, Sade Giliberti (pictured right), swears by rooibos’ beauty benefits. She uses lukewarm rooibos tea as a face-wash or tonic and after a long day in front of the camera, puts the tea bags on her eyes to reduce puffiness. She’ll be celebrating International Tea Day with a red cappuccino in the morning and for sundowners will indulge in a rooibos and vodka cocktail. Simply boil a pot of hot water and rooibos tea with sliced lemon, a bit of mint and/or ginger. Add some honey or demerara sugar, let it cool with a few blocks of ice and add a tot of vodka.
WS
