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fermentation-process · joubert-2008-south-african-herbal-teas

Revision 5e872b80-5133-4a52-914d-b3e68c23d6b9 · 10/6/2026, 4:40:27 PM UTC
Claim ID
fermentation-process
Assertion
Rooibos is harvested in the hot summer and early autumn (January to April) by topping the bush to about 45 cm; the shredded plant material is wetted, bruised and "fermented" (enzymatically oxidized) in heaps for usually 12 to 14 hours at 38 to 42 degrees Celsius until the leaves turn red-brown, then sun-dried, sieved and steam-pasteurized.
Quote
Leaves become red-brown when the shredded plant material is "fermented" in heaps at ambient temperature, usually for 12–14 h, before being sun-dried.
Quote language
en
Locator
section: 5.2.1 Tea manufacture
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