Development of Assessment Criteria for Managing the Quality of Taishan Black Tea

Abstract

In order to obtain the quality information of Taishan black tea and provide data support for the establishment of assessment criteria for quality control of Taishan black tea, in this study, 45 samples of Taishan black tea were collected during the summer to investigate their quality characteristics. The results showed that the Taishan black tea typically exhibited a dark-brown, curly appearance and a uniform texture. The tea soup displayed a bright orange-red color. The tea was mainly described as having a fruity aroma, followed by a caramel flavor, sweet aroma, flowery flavor, and clean aroma, with a strong and enduring fragrance. The taste profile was mostly heavy and mellow or heavy and strong, with fewer samples exhibiting slight bitterness and astringency. The tea leaves were characterized by a reddish-auburn color, a soft texture, and an even appearance. The main biochemical components of the Taishan black tea fell within the following ranges: water extracts (38.65–43.35%), free amino acids (1.41–3.45%), tea polyphenols (9.80–15.05%), catechins (6.11–9.03%), and caffeine (1.65–3.05%). The phenolic acid/amino acid ratio was 2.31–6.65%. Catechins and tea polyphenols emerged as critical indicators influencing taste quality, followed by amino acids, water extracts, and caffeine. The aroma analysis identified common compounds, such as 3-methyl-butanal, 2-methyl-butanal, decanal, 2-methyl-propanal, 1-octen-3-ol, and β-ionone, in most samples. These compounds exhibited relatively high contents and high odor activity values, making them the primary contributors to the tea’s aroma. This investigation into the quality of Taishan black tea offers valuable scientific insights, providing a foundation for the standardization of Taishan black tea’s quality.