Impact of sources and doses of potassium on biochemical and greenleaf parameters of tea

Effect of different sources and doses of K on certain biochemical parameters, such as carotenoids, chlorophyll, polyphenols, catechins, amino acids and nutrient contents, such as phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, potassium and nitrogen, in tea flush shoots comprising three leaves with a bud were studied. The relationship existing for polyphenols and carotenoids with amino acids was inversely proportional, while leaf nitrogen had a positive and significant correlation coefficient with amino acids. Even though a linear increase in the biochemical parameters was noticed against rate of potassium application, a comparatively small quantity was sufficient to improve the same parameter in the case of sulphate of potash (SOP). Neither of the two sources influenced the chlorophyll content of tea shoots, irrespective of their doses over control. The ideal N:K ratios for maximum productivity and biochemical parameters would be 1:0.83 or 1:0.62 if the source of K is muriate of potash (MOP), while it is 1:0.21 or 1:0.42 for SOP.     

Influence of extraction conditions on polyphenols content and cream constituents in black tea extracts

Increase in water‐to‐tea ratio and extraction time increased polyphenols recovery as well as extractable‐solids‐yield (ESY) in black tea extracts. Polyphenols content‐in‐extracted solids (PES) used as a tea quality parameter, was significantly higher at 50:1 water‐to‐tea ratio and favourably improved only up to 60 min. Extending the extraction period beyond 40 min degraded theaflavins (TF) and also affected the recovery of major catechins. Although tea cream content showed a decrease with increase in water‐to‐tea ratio, the content was nearly the same (1.80–1.89%) in all these extracts when measured at a uniform 0.5% solids concentration. The extraction conditions displayed a similar influence on the other tea cream components, namely, caffeine, calcium, pectin and protein. The conditions optimised (50:1 water‐to‐tea ratio and 40 min) based on higher PES and TF/TR ratio gave a maximum PES of 0.566 g g^?1 and TF of 0.46% (black tea) in the extract.     

The effect of withering on fermentation of tea leaf and development of liquor characters of black teas

Depression in polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity during the withering of tea leaf (Camellia sinensis) in black tea manufacture affected the oxidative-condensation of tea flavanols in forming theaflavins (TF) and thearubigins (TR), which are associated with brightness, briskness and ‘body’ of tea liquors. In contrast to conventionally manufactured CTC teas, unwithered fresh leaf CTC produces a higher proportion of TF and lower TR, resulting in bright, brisk and thin liquors. Hardness of wither was accompanied by a further depression in PPO activity, and formation of TF also declined with a concomitant loss in brightness and briskness. The TR content increased up to a certain degree of wither and thereby improved the ‘body’ of the liquor. Very hard wither, accompanied by a large reduction in moisture content, restricts PPO activity. It appears that in the fresh leaf, high moisture levels together with dissolved oxygen accelerate the enzymic oxidation and produce large amounts of TF. Senescence of the leaf seems to facilitate the production of TR.     

Biochemical quality characteristics of CTC black teas of south India and their relation to organoleptic evaluation

A study was conducted over a period of 5 years to quantify the quality characteristics of CTC (crush, tear and curl) black teas produced in Wayanad, Central Travancore, Anamallais, High Range, Nilgiris and Chikmagalur areas of south India and their correlation with organoleptic evaluation. Quality characteristics such as theaflavins (TF), thearubigins (TR), highly polymerised substances (HPS), total liquor colour (TLC), TR/TF ratio and colour index (CI) were estimated. Teas from Karnataka, Nilgiris and Anamallais had the highest theaflavin content and better TR/TF ratio than the teas from Travancore, High Range and Wayanad regions. A significant positive correlation of theaflavin content with the values of thearubigins, total liquor colour, colour index, infused leaf appearance (ILA) and taste (TAS) was observed.     

不同种类钾肥对香料烟产质量的影响

本文通过田间试验探讨了施用不同种类钾肥对香料烟产量的影响。试验结果表明:施用氯化钾和硫酸钾均能显著提高香料烟烟叶的产量;同时还能改善烟叶的外观质量和内在品质,主要表现在一级和二级烟叶比例的增大,烟叶含钾量、总糖量、施木克值及K/Cl比值的提高。值得注意的是,完全施用氯化钾处理的烟叶含氟量(0.93%)接近1.0%的临界值,这有可能降低烟叶的燃烧性。试验还表明:香料烟烟叶的含氟量与主要生育期土壤的含氯量呈极显著正相关,这对生产上确定氯化钾的适宜用量具有指导意义,有利于缓解香料烟产区硫酸钾供应紧缺的现状。      

浸提条件对红茶色素(TR/TF)浸出率的影响及红茶汤浸提工艺优化研究

试验采用单因素设计,研究浸提温度、浸提时间、茶水比、pH值四大因素对红茶汁中茶红素(TR)、茶黄素(TF)浸出率的影响,并通过正交试验设计,分别以TR/TF浸出率和浸提液感官综合评分作为考察指标,确定了红茶汤最佳浸提工艺。结果表明:当红茶汤中TR含量过高或过低,TR/TF比值过高或过低时,红茶汤的感官品质并不是很好,红茶汤的感官品质与TR/TF的浸出率不成正相关。红茶汤较优的浸提工艺为:浸提温度85℃、时间15min、茶水比1:40、pH5.5,在这一浸提条件下得到的红茶汤光泽透明,呈红棕色,且具有红茶汤特有的香气,味感纯正,爽口。     

Phenolic compounds in tea from Australian supermarkets

Phenolic compounds constitute 50–70% of tea water extract and are the main quality parameters for teas. Theaflavins (TF), thearubigins (TR) and theabrownins (TB) are the major polyphenols that determine the quality of black tea. These compounds were measured in 56 leaf teas and teabags sampled from Australian supermarkets in Queensland. The various quantities of TF, ranging from 0.29% to 1.25%, indicate a quality difference that exists among the teas studied. Low TF content in black tea may be due to over-fermenting and/or long periods of storage. The solubility of TR and TB from teabags ranged from 82% to 92%, indicating that the permeability of teabags was variable. Variable quantities of TF in Australian teas show instability and a tendency of TF to oxidize during storage. Total polyphenols in green teas ranged from 14% to 34%, indicating a large variation, which was not reflected in price. The solubility of total polyphenols from teabags has been proposed as a useful quality index of the filtering paper used for the teabags. This chemical analysis of phenolic compounds in commercial teas may be a potential tool for the quality control of Australian manufactured and imported teas in Australian markets.     

Changes in content of organic acids and tea polyphenols during kombucha tea fermentation

Kombucha tea is a fermented tea beverage produced by fermenting sugared black tea with tea fungus (kombucha). Tea polyphenols which includes (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epicatechin gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and theaflavin (TF) have been reported to possess various biological activities. The present study focused on changes in content of organic acid and tea polyphenols in kombucha tea prepared from green tea (GTK), black tea (BTK) and tea manufacture waste (TWK) during fermentation. Concentration of acetic acid has reached maximum up to 9.5 g/l in GTK on 15th day and glucuronic acid concentration was reached maximum upto 2.3 g/l in BTK on 12th day of fermentation. Very less concentration of lactic acid was observed during the fermentation period and citric acid was detected only on 3rd day of fermentation in GTK and BTK but not in TWK. When compared to BTK and TWK very less degradation of EGCG (18%) and ECG (23%) was observed in GTK. TF and thearubigen (TR) were relatively stable when compared to epicatechin isomers. The biodegradation of tea catechins, TF and TR during kombucha fermentation might be due to some unknown enzymes excreted by yeasts and bacteria in kombucha culture.     

Rapid method for measuring thearubigins and theaflavins in black tea using C18 sorbent cartridges

This communication describes the routine use of small inexpensive C₁₈ cartridges for rapid separation and accurate measurement of both thearubigins (TR) and theaflavins (TF) in a liquor brewed from black tea. The slow, traditional method overestimates TR content because of interference from flavonol glycosides. Comparison is also made favourably with other methods available for estimating total TF and sometimes TR in tea.     

褐土上不同氮、钾比例对烟叶化学成分的影响

采用田间随机区组设计,测定不同施氮量和氮、钾比例的褐土和烟叶样品中化学成分含量,经统计分析得出:①N:K₂O为1:2的施肥处理可以提高叶重,在施氮量较高的情况下,N:K₂O为1:2的处理可以略降低烟叶中的烟碱。N:K₂O为1:1的处理烟叶烟碱含量较高,其处理在生育后期总氮处于相对较高的水平。②不施钾的情况下,低氮处理烟叶钾含量略高于高氮处理;施钾情况下,相同氮、钾比例,高氮处理的烟叶钾含量和钾累积量分别高于相应的低氮处理。在褐土上,氮素可以促进烟株对钾的吸收。③施钾量提高,烟叶含钾量增加,烟叶含钙量和含镁量降低。④烟叶中的钾含量与钙、镁含量呈显著负相关,钙和镁对烟株吸收钾有强烈的拮抗作用。烟叶钾含量与土壤速效钾含量呈极显著正相关。      

Analysis of caffeine and flavan‐3‐ol composition in the fresh leaf of Camellia sinesis for predicting the quality of the black tea produced in Central and Southern Africa

A parameter of fresh tea leaf that correlates with black tea quality is highly desired. Twenty good and 20 poor quality tea clones were selected from the breeding programme at the Tea Research Foundation (Central Africa) (TRF(CA)). The flavan‐3‐ol profile of fresh tea leaves was analysed by capillary electrophoresis while total theaflavin (TF) content was determined in the black tea manufactured from the same leaves for each clone. The above parameters were correlated with total scores and valuation from two tea tasters with regression analysis. The significance of the differences between the 20 good and 20 poor quality tea clones was determined with the Student's t‐test. The total TF content of the black tea correlated (r = 0.63, P = 0.0001) well with the value of the tea. Of all the parameters determined in the fresh leaves, the highest correlation was obtained with (−)‐epicatechin (EC) (r = 0.65, P = 0.0001). This may facilitate early selection of good quality TRF(CA) clones in the future. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

不同等级CTC红碎茶生化成分分析

以不同等级CTC红碎茶为研究对象,通过对感官审评、生化成分和挥发性成分比较分析,探明不同等级CTC红碎茶的品质特点,为CTC红茶加工工艺的改进和品质提升提供借鉴。结果表明,不同等级CTC红碎茶中游离氨基酸和可溶性糖含量没有显著差别(p<0.05),咖啡碱含量增加显著(p<0.05),茶多酚则显著降低(p<0.05)。儿茶素组分含量整体下降,茶黄素、茶红素和茶褐素总量增加,茶红素和茶褐素比值变化与汤色色泽变化一致。不同等级CTC红碎茶中以法尼基焦磷酸/牻牛儿基焦磷酸前体物形成的挥发性成分为主。因此,茶多酚、咖啡碱和茶红素含量是调节不同等级CTC红碎茶品质的主要原因。不同等级CTC红碎茶主体挥发性成分并没有改变。     

外源糖对普洱茶品质的影响(Ⅰ)

研究添加外源糖(葡萄糖为0.2%～1%,果糖、半乳糖、甘露糖和木糖分别为0.6%,0.8%)处理普洱生茶(50℃,处理3 d)后普洱茶品质相关的各内含成分(水浸出物,茶多酚,儿茶素,游离氨基酸,咖啡碱,可溶性糖,TR,TF,TB)的含量变化。结果表明添加外源单糖可显著改变普洱茶的各内含成分含量。果糖能显著降低咖啡碱含量,木糖次之。     

A reliable technique to identify superior quality clones from tea germplasm

Variations in the substrate level and enzyme activity of prominent south Indian tea germplasm were studied. The content of polyphenols, catechins (substrates) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) showed variation, which influenced the final black tea quality. The enzyme PPO occurs in tea shoots and catalyzes the reactions between catechins to form theaflavins in the presence of oxygen. The catechins mainly epicatechin (EC), epigallo catechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG) and epigallo catechin (EGC) get mixed with PPO during the oxidation process to form quality constituents like theaflavins (TF), thearubigins (TR) and high polymerized substances (HPS). Theaflavins and their fractions such as simple theaflavin, theaflavin monogallate, (TFMG), theaflavin digallate (TFDG) in black tea are the essential quality constituents that are responsible for the liquor characteristics where as TR and high polymerized substances impart colour to the liquor. As oxidation of macerated leaves proceed through different stages of tea manufacture, a decline in PPO activity, polyphenol and catechin contents were observed. Data revealed that the oxidation reaction was faster during the initial stages of oxidation. During the period, oxygen consumption was higher and declined thereafter. Ratio between the enzyme (PPO) and its substrate (catechins) were used to characterize the quality potential of tea clones. An attempt has also been made to categorize prominent tea clones as high, moderate and average quality clones based on their enzyme substrate ratio. Theaflavin content (oxidation product) of different tea clones suggests that the ratio between PPO and catechins forms an important criterion which determines black tea quality. Results obtained were compared with standard clones of known high quality (CR-6017) and moderate quality (SA-6). The study reveals that the enzyme substrate ratio can be used to identify superior quality clones from the existing tea germplasm.     

Analysis of the theaflavin composition in black tea (Camellia sinensis) for predicting the quality of tea produced in Central and Southern Africa

A parameter of black tea that correlates with quality is highly desired. Twenty good and 20 poor quality tea clones were selected from the breeding programme at the Tea Research Foundation (Central Africa) (TRF(CA)). The theaflavin (TF) composition of the black tea manufactured from each clone was analysed by capillary electrophoresis and correlated with total scores and valuation from two tea tasters with regression analysis. The significance of the differences between the 20 good and 20 poor quality tea clones was determined with the Student t‐test and the distribution‐free Kruskal–Wallis test. The sum of the TFs of the black tea correlated well (r = 0.785, P = 0.0002) with the value of the tea. Of the individual TFs determined in the black tea, the highest correlation was obtained with TF‐3′‐monogallate (TF‐B) (r = 0.788, P = 0.0016), TF‐3‐monogallate (TF‐A) (r = 0.741, P = 0.0004) and free TF (TF‐f) (r = 0.705, P = 0.0002). TF‐B (m = 24.90) followed by TF‐A (m = 12.48) showed the steepest slopes against value, making them good indicators for value. The TF‐digallate (TF‐dg) content did not show significant correlation with value (r = 0.316, P = 0.358). The individual TF content thus can be used for optimising the black tea manufacturing process in Central and Southern Africa. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biological and chemical factors affecting the valuation of North East Indian plains teas. III. Statistical Evaluation of the Biochemical Constituents and their Effects on Colour,Brightness and Strength of Black Teas

Regardless of tasters and methods of manufacture five biochemical factors, total oxygen uptake of unprocessed tea shoots and theaflavins (TF), thearubigins (TR), (?)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCE) and theogallin (TG), of black tea are the main contributing factors of colour of North East India plains tea. Similarly, three constituents, TF, TR and (?)-epicatechin gallate (ECG) of black tea, are main the factors for brightness. Four factors, total oxygen uptake and ECG of unprocessed tea shoots and TF and moisture of black tea are the main contributing factors of strength of North East Indian plains tea.     

外源糖对普洱茶品质的影响(Ⅱ)

研究添加外源糖处理普洱生茶(50℃,处理3 d)后茶汤的色差的变化,并进行感官评审,探索内含成分的变化与感官品质之间的关系,结果表明,外源糖处理茶样的感官品质都有所改善,特别是三种茶色素(TF,TR,TB)相对比例与普洱茶茶汤的色差测量值L,a,b成一定线性,表明三者与普洱茶的感官品质密切相关。     

日照红茶初制过程主要生化成分变化的研究

研究了日照红茶初制过程主要生化成分如茶多酚、儿茶素总量、游离氨基酸、咖啡碱,以及儿茶素类组分(EGC、C、EC、EGCG、ECG)、水溶性茶色素(茶黄素、茶红素、茶褐素)含量的变化。结果表明,茶多酚、儿茶素总量呈明显的下降;游离氨基酸、咖啡碱含量在整个初制过程中总体呈现下降趋势;儿茶素类组分以酯型儿茶素EGCG、ECG变化尤为剧烈,在揉捻工序已经完全转化消失;水溶性茶色素TF、TR和TB含量呈现上升的趋势,毛茶的TR/TF比值为10.27。此外,文章还对日照红茶与南方红茶的主要生化成分进行了比较分析,以研究北方茶叶制成红茶的特点。     

Long‐term impact of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers on yield,soil nutrients and biochemical parameters of tea

A field experiment was conducted with tea cultivar UPASI‐9 over a period of 9 years to evaluate the long‐term effects of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizers on yield, biochemical parameters, soil and leaf nutrient status. The yield increase was as high as 66% over the control for N application of 450 kg ha^?1 year^?1. Polyphenol and amino acid contents increased with increase in K application rate. Positive and significant correlation was found between nitrate reductase activity and the amino acid content of the tea shoots. While ammoniacal nitrogen in the soil was not affected by the application of fertilizer, ammonium acetate extractable K increased. The failure to apply fertilizer resulted in depletion of the organic matter status of the soil. Although increased rate of nitrogen application increased the overall yield of made tea (kg ha^?1 year^?1), the specific yield (kg kg^?1 N) declined. The soil tended to become acidic from frequent application of high doses of nitrogenous fertilizer. The leaf NK status was significantly influenced by the various treatments. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical characterisation of CTC black tea of northeast India: correlation of quality parameters with tea tasters' evaluation

BACKGROUND: Consumers have different regional perceptions of tea quality. Objective evaluation based on biochemical data for different regions has been needed for a long time. Biochemical factors regulating this variation would help to remove regional disparities. This study was undertaken on CTC (crust, tear and curl) black tea to generate the biochemical data responsible for quality along with tea tasters' evaluation of three geographical regions of northeast India and to determine the reason for the variation. RESULTS: Brahmaputra valley teas had highest theaflavin (TF), thearubigin (TR), brightness (BR) and total colour (TC) and low crude fibre content (CFC) and total polyphenol (TPP). Brahmaputra valley and Dooars region teas showed high total soluble solid (TSS). Barak valley teas had highest CFC and low TSS, caffeine (CA), TF, TR and TC. Dooars region teas had high CA and TPP and low BR. Dooars region and Barak valley teas contained higher levels of residual catechin than Brahmaputra valley teas. CONCLUSION: Overall quality as evaluated by tea tasters was found to be highest for Brahmaputra valley teas followed by Dooars region and Barak valley teas. This high evaluation can be attributed to higher levels of TF, TR, BR and TSS. Barak valley and Dooars region teas contained high residual catechin, indicating limitation in oxidation during processing. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry