Introduction Like rooibos, honeybush is a uniquely South African herbal tea. It is made from the leaves and stems of the indigenous Cyclopia shrub that grows naturally in specific fynbos regions in an area ranging from Piketberg in the Western Cape to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. The 23 known honeybush species – all […]
Introduction Chicory (Cichorium intybus), a member of the sunflower family, produces a large tapered root which has been used for many years for its beneficial effect on the human digestive system (read about the health benefits of chicory on www.chicory.co.za). It grows for seven or eight months before being harvested and defoliated. Roots of chicory are […]
Introduction Find the “Production Guidelines: Cassava” document at www.dalrrd.gov.za. Cassava is a woody shrub with an edible root, which grows all year round. It is found in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Compared with grains, cassava tolerates poor soils and is more resistant to drought, pests and diseases. It has limited labour requirements. […]
Introduction Herbs and spices are used for enriching what we eat and for delighting the tongue. It is the seasoning and flavouring of food brings out all the variety and tapestry of regions, nations, continents. The increasing demand in developed countries for natural flavour offers tremendous potential for spice crops as sources of natural flavours. […]
Introduction Cotton remains one of the most versatile crops grown by humanity, noted for its appearance, comfort and the many useful products it provides. From the seed: flour and feed, refined oil (salad and cooking), margarine, soap and cosmetics, writing materials, rayon industrial fabrics, yarns, plastics, lamp and candle wicks, twine, rugs, mops, furniture upholstery […]
Introduction If you were asked to list a hundred things you could do with bamboo, your first thought might be that bamboo poles can be tied together to make a fence, a bridge, a shack or some kind of settlement. Bamboo’s uses do indeed include construction (the costs of bamboo dwellings compare very favourably with […]
