(Food-Beverage-News.Com, June 30, 2014 ) Cape Town, Western Province -- With consumer demand for healthy, herbal teas growing across the world, U.S. tea lovers will be thrilled to know that Rooibos tea is now even easier to find, only a click away. Launching now on Amazon.com, the new Rooibos Rocks tea is certified USDA Organic and sustainably farmed by a community of small-scale farmers in the Cederberg mountains of South Africa.
Next to water, tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and is found in almost 80% of all U.S. households. With over 158 million Americans drinking tea on any given day, production value of the global tea market was estimated at USD17.6 billion in 2013. Rising demand for herbal teas has fuelled production growth by more than 15% a year.
"As more health-conscious consumers look for caffeine and sugar-free beverage alternatives, we believe our Rooibos tea blends the best of both worlds", says Madeleine Stokes, co-founder of Rooibos Rocks. "It's naturally sweet and pure, and is packed with free-radical fighting antioxidants. And because it's caffeine-free, it's a healthy choice for everyone, including children, infants and breastfeeding mothers".
Retailing at $16.95 on Amazon.com for 100 tea bags, this versatile red tea is made from the needle-like leaves of the 3 to 4 foot high shrub Aspalathus Linearis, which is native to a biodiverse and mountainous area north west of Cape Town in South Africa. Enjoyed hot or as a refreshing iced tea, Rooibos tea has a full-bodied, slightly sweet and earthy taste, with a distinctive aroma and vibrant amber colour.
Widely regarded for its unique taste and health boosting properties, Rooibos contains a complex mix of several healthy plant flavonoids, including the unique and powerful antioxidant called Aspalathin and the rare glucoside, Nothofagin. Rooibos is commonly used in soaps and cosmetics, while traditional medicine has used it for generations to treat allergies, digestive issues and colic. Ongoing research suggests that the rich and complex mix of antioxidants contained naturally in Rooibos helps to boost overall immunity and reduce the effects of cell damage over time.
"We know that Rooibos has proven cancer-fighting properties in clinical studies, and exciting new research points towards its role in promoting heart health and preventing diabetes", adds Stokes.
Along with its health enhancing benefits, Rooibos tea production provides an income to more than 5000 people in an area where unemployment rates are high.
"As a family business, we're committed to supporting the generations of families who rely on the Rooibos farming and processing industry", maintains Stokes. "By choosing South African-grown organic Rooibos tea, you're helping to support our people, while protecting our nation's precious water resources and biodiversity, (www.sarooibos.co.za). It's why we believe Rooibos Rocks is a tea with a conscience".
ENDS.
About Rooibos Rocks
Rooibos Rocks is as passionate about rooibos tea as it is about South Africa. Founded in 2013 in Cape Town, South Africa, Rooibos Rocks is committed to product and customer service excellence, while supporting sustainability in farming and social upliftment across communities in the Cederberg region of South Africa. "Through our contemporary African packaging, we aim to raise the profile and consumer awareness of Rooibos tea and its potential health benefits. All our tea is certified USDA Organic and is naturally rich in antioxidants, essential minerals and nutrients".
