Honeybush

Honeybush (Cyclopia) is indigenous to the Cape region of South Africa.   Its name refers to the honey scent of its yellow flowers.   Traditionally, the shoots are hand harvested once a year during the flowering period.   Then, the shoots are chopped, oxidized, dried and sorted.   Green Honeybush is not oxidized.   The majority of South Africa's honeybush crop is from wild growing plants.  Only a small number of farmers grow honeybush commercially.  

Honeybush contains an array of minerals and antioxidants.  Anecdotal evidence suggests several health benefits, including anti-viral properties, treatment for respiratory complaints and lowering cholesterol level.

Boil or steep about a heaping teaspoon of loose leaf Honeybush in water for 5-8 minutes to make a cup of beverage.   Comparing to Rooibos, Honeybush has stronger and sweeter aromas.   Honeybush infusion is sweet and fruity with hints of tobacco and leather.  It is naturally caffeine-free.

Honeybush (oxidized)

Rooibos

Rooibos means 'red bush' in Afrikaans and is made from the Aspalathus Lineris plant, which only grows in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa.  Attempts to grow this plant elsewhere in the world have all failed.   The European Union recently granted South Africa's Rooibos a geographical indication that gives the producers ownership over the name.

To produce Rooibos,  the leaves and stalks of the plants are harvested about 50 cm above the ground and then cut into pieces.   The pieces are sprayed with water and allowed to oxidized for 8 to 24 hours before they are dried in the sun.   The two types of Rooibos are green and red. Green Rooibos is produced without the oxidation step.

Red Rooibos (left)  Green Rooibos

To make a cup of Rooibos, use a heaping teaspoon of loose leaves and steep it in 95-100°C water for 5-8 minutes.  Green Rooibos is light and has grassy & mineral flavors. Oxidation adds depth and body to red Rooibos, which can be described as sweet, woody and fruity.  Containing no caffeine and very little tannin, Rooibos does not taste bitter or astringent.

Red Rooibos (left)  Green Rooibos

Rooibos contains a mix of  many flavonoids.  However, studies will be required to substantiate health benefits of drinking Rooibos.   It appears to be a versatile tisane and is also used in cooking and baking.