Discover the Taste of Mzansi
Welcome To The Tasting Room
Unpack the story, perfect pairings, and secret serving rituals behind this month’s artisan box.
The Debut Collection
Get comfortable and let’s explore what is inside your box this month. Rate the snacks below as you taste them to help us curate future boxes.
Spotlight: Taurus Trio Achaars
We recently caught up with Shirley, the passionate founder behind Taurus Trio in Johannesburg, and were captivated by her dedication to authentic South African culinary traditions. If you have spent a weekend morning wandering through the vibrant Fourways Farmers Market, you have undoubtedly seen the dedicated following gathered at her stall. What started out as a personal devotion to bold, homestyle flavours has grown into a thriving small batch enterprise rooted in patience, heritage, and uncompromising attention to detail.
Every single bottle of Shirley’s signature All in One Achaar Sauce is a masterclass in slow craft and balance. Handcrafted using crisp, freshly harvested green mangoes and an expertly calibrated trio of fiery chillies, it blends punchy tartness with a layered, lingering warmth. For our September Heritage Month curation, we wanted a savoury centrepiece that did not just pack exceptional flavour, but genuinely paid homage to the communal spirit of South African market culture. Hearing Shirley speak about her slow cooking process and refusal to cut corners made welcoming Taurus Trio into this curation an effortless decision.
Taurus Trio embodies everything that makes local food culture extraordinary: proud flavour, authentic craftsmanship, and the patience required to elevate a humble pantry staple into an unforgettable culinary experience. Shirley’s achaar sauce brings warm nostalgia, vibrant spice, and true artisan excellence to your table this month. We extend our warmest gratitude to Shirley for sharing her craft with our community and allowing us to bring the lively flavours of the Fourways market directly to your Tasting Room.
The Tasting Menu
Nostalgic Delights Cookies | Neiman Marcus Cookie (Chocolate & Pecan)
Location: Durban, KZN
Every premium tasting box deserves a show-stopping sweet treat. This decadent Neiman Marcus style cookie from Nostalgic Delights brings rich, melted chocolate chunks, toasted buttery pecans, and pure comfort to the September line-up.
Far from your standard grocery-shelf biscuit—it captures the warmth and craftsmanship of an authentic, small-batch home bakery. We love it because it delivers an indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth texture that immediately slows down your day, giving you the ultimate sweet discovery.
Pro-Tip: Warm your cookie in the microwave for 60 to 90 seconds (or pop it in an air fryer for 2 minutes). The chocolate chunks will melt into gooey decadence while revitalising the crunch of the toasted pecans—perfect alongside an icy glass of milk or a flat white.
de Chen Nougat | Cranberry & Almond Nougat
Location: Pretoria, Gauteng
After bold savoury bites and rich chocolate, this handcrafted cranberry and almond nougat brings an elegant, refined pause to the tasting journey. Masterfully whipped by de Chen Nougat, it delivers a soft, pillowy chew studded with crunchy roasted nuts and tart fruit.
Far from sticky, mass-produced sweets—this is small-batch confectionery made with real honey and premium ingredients. We love how the tart cranberries cut through the honey sweetness, creating a balanced, luxurious treat meant to be savoured slowly.
Pro-Tip: Slice the nougat bar into neat bite-sized squares and serve alongside a freshly brewed espresso or a glass of chilled MCC bubbly to complement the fragrant honey notes.
Old Mack Biltong | Spicy Lamb Biltong
Location: Estcourt, KZN
Take your savoury snacking to the next level with a rare artisanal find. Crafted in the heart of the Midlands, Old Mack’s spicy lamb biltong brings succulent texture, rich marbling, and a well-balanced chilli warmth to this month’s curation.
Far from ordinary beef biltong—lamb offers a distinctly tender, delicate flavour profile paired with an expert, small-batch spice cure. We curated it because it showcases authentic Mzansi charcuterie at its finest, bringing undeniable energy to your snack sessions.
Pro-Tip: Allow the biltong to rest at room temperature for a few minutes before eating so the natural fats soften and release their full depth of flavour. Pair with a crisp local craft lager or cider on your weekend platter.
Taurus Trio | Achaar Sauce
Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng
Every heritage tasting journey needs a punchy, nostalgic burst of heat. Handcrafted in Johannesburg by Taurus Trio, this artisanal Achaar Sauce reimagines a beloved Mzansi staple using crisp green mangoes and an expertly balanced blend of three distinct peppers.
Far from an oily, mass-produced supermarket condiment—this small-batch sauce delivers a mouth-watering tartness from the green mangoes, layered with complex, mounting warmth from the pepper trio. We love it because it bridges authentic local heritage with true craft versatility, elevating everything from everyday snacks to braai favourites.
Pro-Tip: Pour a generous spoonful inside a gourmet cheddar braaibroodjie before grilling, or mix two tablespoons into thick cream cheese or mayonnaise for a vibrant, tangy dip that takes crisps, rotis, and samosas to another level.
Heavenly Hibiscus | Hibiscus Tea
Location: Durban North, KZN
Naturally dried to preserve its rich ruby color, vibrant floral aroma, and high antioxidant profile, this 100% natural, caffeine-free botanical tea brings a refreshing and restorative finish to the September line-up.
Far from an ordinary tea bag—these whole petals release a crisp, tart, cranberry-like profile that effortlessly transitions from a soothing hot cuppa to an iced spring refresher. We love it because it’s as versatile as it is nourishing, making it the perfect palate cleanser between bold artisan snacks.
Pro-Tip (3 Ways to Serve):
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Classic Hot / Iced Tea: Steep 1–2 tsp of petals in 2 cups of hot water for 5–7 minutes. Strain and finish with a slice of lemon and raw honey.
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Hibiscus Lemonade: Brew a concentrated cup, let it cool, and stir in the juice of half a lemon, cold water, honey to taste, and plenty of ice.
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Hibiscus Berry Cooler: Blend ½ cup of fresh or frozen mixed berries with a splash of water, strain into your chilled hibiscus tea, and sweeten with honey over crushed ice.
Treat and Co | Pecan Nut Brittle
Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Golden, buttery, and unapologetically crisp. This artisanal Pecan Nut Brittle from Treat and Co brings old-school confectionery nostalgia to the September box with a modern, high-end finish.
Far from rock-hard commercial brittle—this small-batch recipe delivers a delicate, shatter-crisp caramel snap loaded with earthy, buttery pecans. It balances the tasting menu with an addictive, nutty sweetness that keeps you reaching for just one more shard.
Pro-Tip: Snap off small pieces to enjoy alongside an afternoon rooibos tea, or roughly crush a shard over a bowl of creamy vanilla bean ice cream for an effortless gourmet dessert crunch.
Soft Side Creations | Crocheted Bumble Bee Plushie
Location: Durban, KZN
To celebrate Heritage Month, we collaborated with Soft Side Creations to bring you a bespoke, handcrafted keepsake. This charming crocheted bumble bee represents the spirit of community, hard work, and the sweet rewards of local craftsmanship.
Far from a factory-made novelty—each bee is individually hand-stitched with care and attention to detail. We included this limited-edition piece as a tactile celebration of local creativity, reminding us that authentic value lies in the human hands behind the craft.
Pro-Tip: Keep this handmade mascot nearby as a daily reminder of the passionate independent artisans you support with every Local Roots box.
Dietary & Allergen Information
Please be advised that this month’s artisan selection contains Tree Nuts (Pecans), Dairy, Eggs, Gluten/Wheat, and Soy.
Note: All of our products are sourced from small-batch local artisans and are produced in facilities that may handle peanuts, tree nuts, dairy, eggs, soy, and wheat. If you have a severe allergy, please exercise caution.