Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
4521121 South African Journal of Botany 2011 21 Pages PDF
Abstract

Honeybush tea (Cyclopia spp.), one of the traditional South African herbal teas with a long history of regional use, remained a cottage industry until the mid-1990s when researchers were instrumental in the development of a formal agricultural and agro-processing industry. It is one of the few indigenous South African plants that made the transition from the wild to a commercial product during the past 100 years. Research activities during the past 20 years included propagation, production, genetic improvement, processing, composition and the potential for value-adding. The present review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive record of the development of the South African honeybush industry, against the background of the historical highlights in the making of an industry. It provides a blueprint of the processes and actions involved in the development of a new agricultural and agro-processing industry from an herbal plant. Insight into challenges faced by the industry and future research needed to keep it competitive are provided.

► Cyclopia spp. are used to produce honeybush tea. ► It is one of few indigenous South African plants that has been commercialised. ► Most of the tea is currently sold on international markets. ► The history and development of the industry during the past 20 years is described. ► Research undertaken to date to support the industry is summarised.

Related Topics
Life Sciences Agricultural and Biological Sciences Agronomy and Crop Science
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