My Rooibos Affair, Or How I Learned to Calm Down and Love South Africa's "Red Bush"

I still remember the night well. Interestingly enough, it was my wife that introduced me to my paramour. Perhaps accidentally or perhaps to infuse our relationship with something new or something infinitely passionate, she placed the box of rooibos tea in the cupboard and “forgot about it” as she put away the remainder of the groceries. Intrigued and maybe a little turned on, I glanced at the box quickly before she shut the cupboard door.

Later that night, while my wife lay sleeping, I crept out of bed. Fretfully, I fidgeted for the lights and opened the cabinet. There it was, sitting in a simple box mocking me with its lustre, with its dynamic facade. In a fit of ardour that represented the zenith of the day’s inquisitiveness and the built-up strain, I tore into the box and boiled some water.
I don’t need to tell you what happened next…

Since that night of passion, my affair with rooibos has continued and, amazingly or not, expanded. When my wife discovered my illicit love, she was not angered and she was not traumatized. In fact, she was thrilled and she joined in much as I always hoped she would should Scarlett Johansson ever return my calls.

So now, today, on a perfect evening, it is a cup of rooibos that sits alongside my wife and me. Its ruby colour, its charm, and its zest dances on the tongue like some audacious, spirited tango.

For centuries, only the Khoisans in South Africa knew about rooibos. Used regularly as an herbal remedy for a wide range of maladies, the secret of rooibos almost vanished when the tribe dwindled away and eventually disappeared. In 1772, botanist Carl Humberg rediscovered rooibos and brought it back as a beverage because of its delectable, sweet qualities.

Rooibos tea was enjoyed by South Africans, mainly, but Russian immigrant Benjamin Ginsberg soon realized the marketing potential of the herb and began offering the tea worldwide. The reputation of the tea rose during World War II as the accessibility of “real” tea from Asia became sparse.

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Article Author: Jordan Richardson

Jordan Richardson is a Canadian freelance writer and maple syrup enthusiast. His film reviews can be found at the Canadian Cinephile's Reviews and his music reviews are located at the Canadian Audiophile's Reviews and News. Mr. …

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Article comments

  • 1 - Serge

    Nov 23, 2008 at 11:58 pm

    I'd like inform you that Scarlett Johansson (actress)actually is a clone from original person,who has nothing with acting career.Clone was created illegally using stolen biomaterial.Original Scarlett Galabekian last name is nice, CHRISTIAN young lady.I'll tell more,those clones(it's not only 1)made in GERMANY-world leader manufacturer of humans clones,it's in Ludwigshafen am Rhein,Rhineland-Palatinate,Mr.Helmut Kohl home town.You can't even imaging the scale of the cloning activity.But warning,H.Kohl staff strictly controlling their clones spreading around the world,they're NAZI type disciplined and mind controlled,be careful get close with clones you will be controlled too.Original family didn't authorize any activity with stolen biomaterials,no matter what form it was created in,it's all need to be back to original family control in Cedars-Sinai MedicalCenter in LA.Controlling clones is US military operation.Original Scarlett never was engaged,by the way

  • 2 - Jordan Richardson

    Nov 24, 2008 at 2:43 am

    Ah dear Serge, we've had this conversation before. Try the tea.

  • 3 - El Bicho

    Nov 24, 2008 at 2:55 am

    serge, if that's the case, the anti-cloning movement is guaranteed to falter

  • 4 - Elvin Connor

    Nov 24, 2008 at 5:09 am

    You cannot be discussing clones over such awesome tea.

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