Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.2, 112-122 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 115 These advancements not only improve the overall efficiency of tea production but also allow for the customization of tea products to meet specific consumer preferences (Lu, 2022). The next-generation tea beverages are a result of significant technological advancements, innovative extraction and brewing techniques, microbial fermentation technology, advanced preservation and packaging technologies, and the automation and digitization of production processes. These innovations have collectively contributed to the development of high-quality, health-promoting tea products that cater to the evolving needs and preferences of consumers. Figure 2 An overview of kombucha preparation and fermentation (Adopted from Nyhan et al., 2022) 3 Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing 3.1 Sustainable sourcing of tea and other ingredients Sustainable sourcing is a critical aspect of the tea industry, aiming to balance economic, environmental, and social objectives. Several studies have highlighted innovative techniques and approaches for sustainable sourcing in tea production. Green extraction techniques such as ultrasonic-assisted extraction and microwave-assisted extraction have been shown to significantly reduce the consumption of raw materials, solvents, and energy while maximizing the extraction yield of bioactive molecules from tea species. This approach not only protects the environment but also improves the quality of human life by providing safer dietary supplements and pharmaceutical formulations (Figure 3) (Koina et al., 2023).
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