Traditional Beverages Derived from Wild Food Plant Species in the Vhembe District, Limpopo Province in South Africa

Abstract

Beverages derived from wild plant species play an important role in local and traditional food systems in rural communities such as in the Vhembe District, South Africa. Conducting research on such foodstuffs may help to prevent loss of indigenous knowledge on potential dietary sources for needy households. Through surveys and focussed group discussions, 41 different beverage-making plant species were identified. Traditional beverage making processes are of three types. Preparing teas involve a boiling process while juices are manually extracted following overnight soaking of the fruit pulp mixture. Brewing traditional beer usually requires a spontaneous fermentation process lasting 2–3 days.