Journal of Tea Science Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 148-159 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/jtsr 152 international markets, particularly in the United States, enhancing the visibility and appeal of rooibos tea (Raynolds and Ngcwangu, 2010). 4.3 Economic benefits for producing regions The economic impact of rooibos tea production extends beyond mere export revenues. It plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the Western Cape region. The cultivation and processing of rooibos tea provide employment opportunities and support local economies (Raynolds and Ngcwangu, 2010). Fair Trade initiatives have been particularly beneficial, empowering small-scale black producers and promoting sustainable development in post-Apartheid South Africa (Raynolds and Ngcwangu, 2010). These initiatives have enabled cooperatives to upgrade their operations, including processing and packaging, thereby adding value to the product and increasing their share of the global market. The economic stability provided by the rooibos tea industry is vital for the region, especially in the face of challenges such as climate change, which threatens production areas (Sishi et al., 2019). The global market for rooibos tea is robust and growing, driven by consumer demand for health-promoting beverages and supported by Fair Trade networks that enhance the economic benefits for South African producers. The continued expansion of this market holds significant promise for the economic development of the Western Cape region and the sustainability of rooibos tea production. 5 Genetic and Environmental Factors Affecting Quality The quality of rooibos tea, derived from the plant Aspalathus linearis, is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic diversity and environmental conditions. These factors significantly impact the chemical composition, sensory attributes, and overall quality of the tea. 5.1 Genetic diversity and its impact on quality Genetic diversity within rooibos plants contributes to variations in phenolic compounds, which are critical for the tea's antioxidant properties and overall quality. Studies have shown that different ecotypes of rooibos exhibit varying levels of these phenolic compounds due to genetic differences. For instance, research indicates that the major phenolic constituents such as aspalathin, nothofagin, and isoquercitrin vary significantly among different rooibos plants (Figure 2) (Stander et al., 2020). This genetic variation affects the antioxidant capacity and health benefits of the tea. Figure 2 Diversity of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) banding patterns in the rooibos samples (Adopted from Stander et al., 2020) Image caption: Bands 1-6 were commonly observed in samples from commercial and wild rooibos plants; bands A and B were only found in selected plants. S: solvent front (Adopted from Stander et al., 2020)
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