Tea & Herb Program

Products – Tea, Rooibos & Herbs

“Better to be without food for three days, than to be without tea for one.” Ancient Chinese saying

Fair Trade Certified Tea includes leaves and products derived from the tea plant of the Camellia family (botanical: Camellia sinensis & Camellia assamica). Once the leaves from the Camellia plant are plucked, they can be processed into several varieties of tea, including white, green, oolong, pu-erh and black teas.  Tea has been enjoyed socially by people since around 3000 BC.  Native to China, tea spread to India and Japan, then to Europe and Russia, arriving in the New World in the late 17th century.  Tea leaves are a good source of vitamin C, and have been shown to offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antibacterial and antiviral benefits.

Fair Trade Certified Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) is native to the Cedarburg Mountain region of the Western Cape of South Africa.  Cultivated exclusively in this 100-kilometer radius, the rooibos (red bush) plant flourishes in precise climate conditions.  Brewed in water and served as a hot or cold tea, rooibos is caffeine-free, and rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.  Fair Trade Certified™ organic and non-organic green and red rooibos are available in the U.S. in a variety of grades.

Fair Trade Certified Herbs include Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), and plants in the Mint genus (Mentha), including Peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Spearmint (Mentha spicata).  They are available as single-herb teas or blends, boxed and loose-leaf, are used to make extracts or ground for capsules, and offer several ingredient options for the culinary, nutraceutical and supplement markets.  Hibiscus is generally used as an ingredient for color and flavor enhancement.  These herbs are known to calm and detoxify, and have been linked to countless other health benefits.  While these herbs can be grown domestically, most U.S. companies prefer the volume availability and flavor profile of internationally produced herbs.  Stay tuned for more Fair Trade Certified herbs!

For more information about Fair Trade Certified Tea, Rooibos and Herbs, please contact Maya Spaull at maya@transfairusa.org