Chinese Tea Research Articles

Analysis of the high-quality development path of China's tea export.

As globalization and economic development accelerate, Chinese tea has emerged as an essential export commodity in the international market. China boasts abundant tea resources, which have significantly promoted economic growth through tea exports. This study analyses the relevant literature and the prevailing state of China's tea export trade. Using statistical data on tea exports and empirical research methodologies, this investigation examines the key determinants influencing the high-quality development of China's tea export sector. The research integrates relevant frontier theories from management science and engineering to propose tailored recommendations. The study reveals that while the industry has demonstrated robust economic growth, it is confronted with challenges such as the need for enhanced brand visibility and adherence to international quality benchmarks. The research findings highlight the positive influence of the "Belt and Road" initiative on the tea export trade, which advocates for strategic international collaboration. This study concludes with policy recommendations that underscore the importance of bolstering the international dissemination of Chinese tea culture, standardizing export practices, and fostering global cooperation to augment the industry's high-quality development trajectory. The findings aim to enhance the export capabilities of Chinese tea and foster the robust growth of the tea export industry.

SWOT Analysis and Strategy Research on the Impact of Green Trade Barriers on the Export of Wuyi Mountain Rock Tea

In the realm of globalization, green trade barriers have emerged as significant obstacles to the international export of Wuyi mountain rock tea from China. The progressively rigorous green trade barriers enacted by various nations, alongside challenges such as pesticide residues detected in Chinese Wuyi rock tea, have contributed to a notable increase in Wu yi mountain rock teas production expenses, thereby undermining its competitiveness in the global marketplace. This study employs a SWOT analysis framework to thoroughly assess the positioning of Wuyi tea exports, with the objective of formulating strategies to navigate green trade barriers and bolster global competitiveness. To accomplish this, the paper will initially address the current developmental status of Wuyi rock tea, followed by an examination of the eco-trade barriers instituted by key importing nations. Furthermore, through the calculation of competitive trade indices, it will investigate the waning competitiveness of Wuyi mountain rock tea as a result of these barriers. Lastly, potential solutions for overcoming the eco-trade challenges will be proposed by using the SWOT analysis methodology. As a result, the paper will offer innovative perspectives for the export advancement of Wuyi mountain rock tea.

Evaluation of traditional Chinese medicine tea bag TBDESJS in patients with Sjögren's syndrome and dry eye syndrome: A phase II pilot study.

Sjögren's syndrome (SJS) and dry eye syndrome (DES) are characterized by ocular dryness from inadequate tear production or excessive evaporation. To evaluate the effectiveness of TBDESJS (Chun-Yu-Ching-Hua-Yin, CYCHY), a TCM tea bag, in treating SJS and DES patients compared with healthy controls (NHC). This phase II pilot study included 100 participants (60 SJS, 30 DES, 10 NHC) across 8 weeks, assessing changes in Schirmer's test, OSDI, ESSPRI, PSQI, FIRST, and artificial tear usage, using repeated measurement ANOVA and Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) for analysis. Total 97 subjects completed the trial, for the left eye (OS) of Schirmer's test, significant improvements at 4, and 8 weeks were observed in SJS (0.13 ± 0.43-5.77 ± 2.87, and 7.60 ± 4.84 mm) and DES (0.21 ± 0.41-6.21 ± 2.97, and 7.86 ± 3.47 mm) (all p < .001). For the right eye (OD), significant improvements were observed in SJS (0.13 ± 0.39-6.77 ± 4.53, and 8.79 ± 5.92 mm) and DES (0.34 ± 0.55-6.59 ± 2.50, and 8.24 ± 3.42 mm) (all p < .001). Secondary outcomes showed reduced the dryness of ESSPRI scores in SJS (6.37 ± 1.97-5.57 ± 1.79, p < .001) and DES (6.10 ± 1.97-5.28 ± 2.23, p < .05). PSQI global scores improved significantly in all groups at 8 weeks (p < .05). Artificial tear usage decreased in SJS (4.93 ± 2.45-1.00 ± 0.82 times/day), DES (4.47 ± 1.99-0.66 ± 0.67 times/day) (all p < .001). No serious adverse events in this study. TBDESJS significantly improved tear production, ocular dryness, and sleep quality, indicating potential neural regulation, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory benefits. These findings advocate for TBDESJS (Chun-Yu-Ching-Hua-Yin, CYCHY)'s comprehensive therapeutic value in SJS and DES treatment, emphasizing the need for further research to understand long-term effects and mechanisms.

The formation of tea culture in British

When foreign people think of British culture nowadays, they can easily picture gentlemen and ladies elegantly dressed, surrounded by fine furniture and utensils, enjoying afternoon tea. The unique tea culture has already become a strong impression of Britain. This article explores the positioning of tea within the map of cultural differentiation, highlighting its status as a significant symbol of British culture, despite Britain not being its country of origin. The success of tea arose from the collision of Eastern and Western civilizations, with Chinese tea being introduced to Britain by Dutch merchant ships in the 17th century, marking its economic rise. The paper raises key questions about how tea transformed from an exotic product into a British cultural icon and whether the promotion of tea culture in Britain is mere imitation or rooted in local traditions. Additionally, it reviews research by Chinese and foreign scholars on British tea culture, focusing on the origins of tea culture in China, including the history of tea cultivation and consumption, and the evolution of tea culture in various dynasties. The second half describes in detail the thriving process of tea trade in Britain since the 17th century, the background of tea culture breaking the gender status and other restrictions in British society, and the different connotations and influences of tea culture in the British upper society and working class.

Comprehensive analysis reveals the contribution of “rolling-anaerobic” processing to the improved aroma, taste and color of GABA black tea

GABA black tea (GABT), produced by the combination of anaerobic treatment and Chinese traditional black tea processing technology, has a unique flavor and health benefits. However, how to manufacture high-quality GABT efficiently is the major challenge for this area. In this study, a processing improvement of multiple rolling-anaerobic treatment cycle was applied to prepare tailored GABTs, and their comprehensive quality including aroma, taste and color were analyzed. The sensory evaluation results showed that the improvement significantly optimized the overall GABT quality. The accumulation of linalool oxide Ⅰ, citronellol, etc. was the main reason for the superior aroma of tailored GABT, while the dynamic changes of sweet/umami amino acids, catechins and tea pigments played critical roles in the GABT taste and color quality formation during processing. Furthermore, correlation analysis was applied to determine the contribution of various processing steps. These findings provide a novel manufacturing method for high-quality GABT products.

Comparative Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis Revealed the Accumulative Mechanism of Rubusoside in Chinese Sweet Tea.

Terpenoids are important secondary metabolites in Rubus. Rubusoside is a relatively specific diterpenoid bioactive component in the leaves of Chinese Sweet Tea (Rubus suavissimus). However, the terpenoid anabolic pathway of Rubus and the molecular mechanism underlying the specific accumulation of rubusoside in R. suavissimus remain unclear. Here, metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses were performed on differences in terpenoid metabolism levels between R. suavissimus (sweet leaves) and Rubus chingii (bitter leaves). Steviol glycosides and goshonosides primarily accumulated in R. suavissimus and R. chingii, respectively. Three pairs of highly homologous glycosyltransferase genes (UGT85A57, UGT75L20, and UGT75T4) associated with rubusoside biosynthesis in the two Rubus species were identified. The three pairs of UGT proteins in both species could glycosylate steviol. Thus, the transcriptional regulation of UGTs in R. suavissimus appears to play a pivotal role in rubusoside accumulation. Our findings provide insights into the differences in terpenoid metabolism between R. suavissimus and R. chingii and reveal the molecular mechanism of rubusoside accumulation in R. suavissimus.

Vine Tea Extract Enhanced the Fermentation of Skimmed Milk by Lacticaseibacillus casei

ABSTRACTVine tea extract (VTE), from the traditional Chinese herbal tea, was added to reconstituted skimmed milk; the mixture was fermented with Lacticaseibacillus casei, and fermentation characteristics, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity (AOC), and viability of L. casei were measured. 2 mg/mL VTE promoted L. casei growth and 8 mg/mL VTE inhibited growth, an effect consistent with observed pH changes. Total flavonoid content and AOC increased with increasing VTE dosage. Dihydromyricetin was partially metabolized during fermentation and accounted for most of the antioxidant function of VTE. 2 mg/mL VTE was optimal for maintenance of probiotic culture and pH stability during cold storage and improved AOC during product shelf life. VTE has the potential to increase the health benefits of probiotic dairy products, and the resulting mixture may be suitable to use as a daily milk‐based health drink.

Complex factors combinations driving tea growers to adopt ecological agricultural practices in tea gardens

IntroductionThe implementation of ecological agriculture practices in Chinese tea gardens plays a vital role in mitigating N2O emissions and addressing environmental degradation. Nevertheless, a dearth of discourse exists regarding the intricacies surrounding farmers' adoption of tea garden ecological agriculture practices (TGEAP), particularly the complex interplay between adoption factors and outcomes.MethodsUsing data of 310 farmers, this study employed complexity theories and Stimulus-Organism-Response theories, and integrated Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to explore the complex relationships between farmer characteristics, internal and external factors, and adoption of farmer.ResultsThe results show three influential paths in the Stimulus-Organism-Response model, and environmental protection attitude (EPA) and production expectation (PE) act as intermediaries. Notably, EPA exhibits a masking effect in one pathway. These paths linked closely to three farmer characteristics. Beyond the Stimulus-Organism-Response model, nine combinations lead to farmers' adoption, and four to non-adoption.DiscussionWe discover scenarios where opposing environmental states or age lead to adoption, explaining the masking effect. These combinations highlight how a favorable environment influences both adoption and non-adoption. We also discuss other combinations that lead to adoption or non-adoption. The study suggests that governments employ targeted incentives to facilitate tea farmers' transition in agriculture.

Factors Influencing Consumers' Brand Loyalty to Chinese Tea Drinks in Bangkok, Thailand

Tea drinks have always been a consumer favorite beverage because of the variety of product types that appeal to a wide customer base. In recent years, with the continuous expansion of China’s beverage market, some brands are looking to expand into overseas markets. They determine the brand’s overseas development strategy by investigating the factors that impact consumer brand loyalty to identify the local target market and group. This study investigates the impact of demographic factors, consumer perception in 7ps, and consumer satisfaction on brand loyalty. An online questionnaire was used to survey Chinese tea drink consumers who lived in Bangkok for over a month. Four hundred valid data were selected and analyzed using SPSS software. The research results show that most consumers will have different degrees of consumer brand loyalty based on consumer perception of the 7ps and consumer satisfaction. Products incorporating cultural attributes were found to be more attractive to consumers. Each of these factors, demographic, consumer satisfaction, and consumer perception in 7ps, impact consumer brand loyalty. Keywords: tea consumers, consumers brand loyalty, thailand, chinese tea drink

Development of analytical “aroma wheels” for Oolong tea infusions (Shuixian and Rougui) and prediction of dynamic aroma release and colour changes during “Chinese tea ceremony” with machine learning

The flavour of tea as a worldwide popular beverage has been studied extensively. This study aimed to apply established flavour analysis techniques (GC–MS, GC-O-MS and APCI-MS/MS) in innovative ways to characterise the flavour profile of oolong tea infusions for two types of oolong tea (type A- Shuixian, type B- Rougui). GC–MS identified 48 aroma compounds, with type B having a higher abundance of most compounds. GC-O-MS analysis determined the noticeable aroma difference based on 20 key aroma compounds, facilitating the creation of an analytical “Aroma Wheel” with 8 key odour descriptors. APCI-MS/MS assessed real-time aroma release during successive brews linked with the “Chinese tea ceremony” (Gongfu Cha). Multivariate Polynomial Regression (MPR) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) network approaches were applied to aroma and colour data from seven successive brews. The results revealed a progressive decline in both colour and aroma with seven repeated brews, particularly notable after the fourth brew.

RNAs associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis show anticancer effects of Flos Sophorae flavonoids extract on human hepatoma cells

Flos Sophorae, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and health tea, consists of the dried flowers and buds of the Sophora japonica L. (Leguminosae). This study assesses the in vitro anticancer efficacy of Flos Sophorae flower extract (FSFE) against the human hepatocarcinoma cell line HepG2, juxtaposed with its effects on normal human liver L02 cells. Cell viability was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay to evaluate the effects of fruit skin flavonoid extract (FSFE) on cellular proliferation. The results indicated that FSFE significantly inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 liver cancer cells, with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 117.98 μg/mL, while having minimal effects on normal liver L02 cells. HPLC analysis identified rutin and quercetin as components of FSFE, both recognized for their antioxidant properties. The flavonoids in Flos Sophorae exhibit potent inhibitory effects on liver cancer cells, indicating potential as a natural anticancer agent. The findings support the continued development and research into the therapeutic applications of these compounds.

Analysis of Disseminating Intangible Cultural Heritage to ASEAN Countries Through AIGC: The Case of Chinese Tea Culture

Intangible cultural heritage represents a vital aspect of global cultural diversity, embodying historical wisdom and identity across various regions. Chinese tea culture exemplifies this heritage with its unique traditions of tea-making, teaware craftsmanship, and philosophical underpinnings. However, globalization presents challenges such as language barriers, inefficiencies in traditional transmission methods, and economic marginalization. Artificial Intelligence-Generated Content (AIGC) emerges as a transformative tool to address these challenges, utilizing machine learning and natural language processing to tailor cultural content and enhance its global dissemination. This paper explores the impact of AIGC on the promotion of Chinese tea culture in ASEAN countries, highlighting its role in broadening cultural influence through innovative technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality. The integration of tea culture into daily life in ASEAN nations, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia, underscores its resonance and acceptance, facilitated further by digital platforms and social media. As AIGC continues to evolve, future research should focus on ethical considerations and methodologies for preserving cultural authenticity while leveraging technological advancements.

Antibacterial and Antiallergic Effects of Three Tea Extracts on Histamine-Induced Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a persistent and recurrent inflammatory skin condition with a genetic basis. However, the fundamental reasons and mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain incompletely understood. While tea extracts are known to reduce histamine-induced skin allergies and inflammation, the specific mechanisms by which various types of Chinese tea provide their protective effects are still not fully elucidated. In this study, a model of skin itching induced by histamine is used to explore the functions and mechanisms of three types of tea extract (Keemun black tea (HC), Hangzhou green tea (LC), and Fujian white tea (BC)) in alleviating histamine-induced dermatitis. The components of three tea extracts are identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and we found that their main components are alkaloids, fatty acyls, flavonoids, organic acids, and phenols. The inhibitory effects of three types of tea extract on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in skin injury are investigated by MIC and flow cytometry. The three types of tea extract have an inhibitory effect on the growth of bacterial flora, with HC showing the best inhibitory activity. The effect of the three types of tea extract on histamine-induced dermatitis is also evaluated. Furthermore, itchy skin experiments, HE staining, toluidine blue staining, and immunohistochemical staining of mouse skin tissues were performed to determine the variations of scratching, epidermal thickness, mast cell number, IL-1β, and NGF content after the administration of the tea extracts. The three types of tea extracts all alleviate and inhibit skin itching, epidermal hyperplasia, and allergic dermatitis. BC effectively alleviates epidermal hyperplasia caused by skin allergies, and LC significantly downregulates NGF. HC reduces histamine-induced mast cell infiltration and downregulates IL-1β to alleviate skin itching. Consequently, tea emerges a potent natural product that can inhibit the growth of skin wound bacterial flora and exhibit skin repair effects on histamine-induced allergic dermatitis.

1H NMR Spectroscopy Combined with Machine-Learning Algorithm for Origin Recognition of Chinese Famous Green Tea Longjing Tea.

Premium green tea is a high-value agricultural product significantly influenced by its geographical origin, making it susceptible to food fraud. This study utilized nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to perform chemical fingerprint analysis on 78 Longjing tea (LJT) samples from both protected designation of origin (PDO) regions (Zhejiang) and non-PDO regions (Sichuan, Guangxi, and Guizhou) in China. Unsupervised algorithms and heatmaps were employed for the visual analysis of the data from PDO and non-PDO teas while exploring the feasibility of linear and nonlinear machine-learning algorithms in discriminating the origin of LJT. The findings revealed that the nonlinear model random forest (92.2%), exhibited superior performance compared to the linear model linear discriminant analysis (85.6%). The random forest model identified 15 key marker metabolites for the geographical origin of LJT, such as kaempferol glycoside, glutamine, and ECG. The results support the conclusion that the integration of NMR with machine-learning classification serves as an effective tool for the quality assessment and origin identification of LJT.

Integration and Innovation: An Overview of the Development Status and Trends of Chinese Tea E-commerce Live Streaming

Integration and Innovation: An Overview of the Development Status and Trends of Chinese Tea E-commerce Live Streaming

Variety of Pu’er Tea, and Bulang Buddhists: A Case Study of Bulang Tea Tradition in Laoman’e Village

This study presents Pu'er tea's range while shedding light on its identity and classifications, which are directly related to Yunnan province's growth. The previous scholarship had widely neglected this topic and failed to examine the diversity of Pu'er tea. However, for this research work, there are four primary objectives: identifying and highlighting ancient and king Pu'er teas; assessing the economic standing of the Bulang Buddhist community; differentiating between these two varieties of Pu'er tea; and exploring the historical context of Chinese tea culture. The study revealed four main findings. The first suggests that tea traders promoted the phrase "Pu'er tea" to integrate and assess all Pu'er area tea varieties in order to enhance sales. The fourth finding, based on Chinese tea history, demonstrates the significance of ancient and King Pu'er teas for the Bulang Buddhist community. The third finding indicates a total of eight varieties of Pu'er tea. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative techniques. The author conducted in-depth interviews with twenty two study participants and carried out fieldwork in the Laoman'e hamlet in Xishuangbanna, in the Chinese province of Yunnan. This study is significant for the Bulang Buddhist ethnic group of Laoman village, who rely mostly on the ancient and king pu'er tea sale in the mountain region of Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China.

Large loss of reactive nitrogen and the associated environmental damages from tea production in China

Tea (Camellia sinensis L.), the most popular beverage worldwide and an important cash crop in China, plays a crucial role in the socio-economic landscape. Reactive nitrogen (Nr) loss from tea cultivation in China has become a major environmental problem due to the high input of N fertilizers. However, the scale of the Nr loss and its environmental impact on tea production in China remains unknown. Hence, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of ammonia volatilization (NH3), nitrogen oxide (NOx), nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, N leaching (total nitrogen, TN), and N runoff (TN) losses in tea plantations in China. The total Nr loss in Chinese tea plantations was 376 Gg yr−1 (149 kg N ha−1 yr−1) in 2014, with N leaching, NH3 volatilization, N2O emissions, NOx emissions, and N runoff losses accounting for 52.2 %, 33.2 %, 7.5 %, 5.4 %, and 1.7 %, respectively. The total Nr loss-related environmental damage cost of tea cultivation reached 9.53 billion CNY yr−1 in 2014, which was 7.7 % of the total tea production output value. The bulk of the environmental damage cost was attributed to NH3 volatilization (49.1 %), N2O emissions (24.9 %), and N leaching (19.2 %). Large Nr losses occurred during tea production in Sichuan, Hubei, Guizhou, Yunnan, Zhejiang, and Hunan provinces, accounting for 17.7 %, 17.0 %, 13.4 %, 10.7 %, 7.6 %, and 7.0 % of the total Nr losses in China, respectively. Our analysis showed that the adoption of integrated nutrient management reduced N fertilizer inputs to 300 kg N ha−1, lowered Nr loss from 376 Gg to 172 Gg yr−1, and reduced the environmental damage cost of N loss by 45.4 %. These findings, along with detailed data on the N balance of tea cultivation, provides critical information needed to develop effective region-specific N nutrient management practices and policies for sustainable and profitable tea crop production in China, and possibly in other similar geographies.

Research on Marketing and Innovation Strategies of HEYTEA in the Overseas Market

Chinese tea culture has a long history, and on this basis, many Chinese merchants have made great achievements in product research and development and innovation. Nowadays, milk tea, a low-consumption drink, is popular all over the world. Among them, HEYTEA stands out, is well received by young groups in the Chinese market, and attracts a wide range of other consumer groups, HEYTEA has not only achieved great success in marketing, but its unique product positioning and innovative marketing strategy have also attracted many consumers.With the intensification of market competition and the trend of consumption upgrading in China, HEYTEA needs to explore new growth points. Therefore, the overseas market has become an important direction for HEYTEA’s development. This study aims to analyze HEYTEA’s marketing and innovation strategies to enter the overseas market and discusses HEYTEA’s corporate strategy. In the process, it analyzes different marketing and innovation strategies of HEYTEA in the overseas market by using macro-environment analysis tools, market segmentation, and other methods.This study also draws on the store experience of Starbucks and Blue Bottle to predict and determine HEYTEA ‘s development strategy and prospects in overseas markets, providing reference for other tea brands.

Olfactory analysis of oolong tea sensory quality using composite nano-colorimetric sensor array

Chinese oolong tea is famous for its rich and diverse aromas, which is an important indicator for sensor quality evaluation. To accurately and rapidly evaluate sensory quality, a novel colorimetric sensor array (CSA) was developed to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in oolong tea. We further explored the binding mechanism between colorimetric dyes that trigger changes in charge transfer and visible color changes. Based on this, we modified and optimized the CSA to improve the sensitivity by 17.1–234.9% and the stability by 8.7–33.3%. The study also assessed the effectiveness of this method by comparing two linear and two non-linear classification models, with the support vector machine (SVM) model achieving the highest accuracy, identifying different flavor intensity and grades with rates of 100% and 95.83%, respectively. These findings sufficiently demonstrated that the novel CSA, integrated with the SVM model, has promising potential for predicting the sensory quality of oolong tea.

Identification of volatile and odor-active compounds in Maojian herbal tea (Dracocephalum rupestre Hance)

Maojian herbal tea originates from Xinzhou, Shanxi, China, and is renowned as one of the prominent northern Chinese herbal teas. However, the volatile and key odor-active compounds in Maojian herbal tea have not been reported. Using headspace-solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, a total of 87 volatile compounds were identified. Thirteen aroma compounds were distinguished as the key odor-active compounds of Maojian herbal tea based on gas chromatography–olfactometry analysis, and odor activity values, including trans-β-ionone, cis-jasmone, β-caryophyllene, humulene, hexanal, nonanal, linalool, alloocimene B, β-cyclocitral, β-bourbonene, ylangene, δ-cadinene and indole. The results of partial least squares regression analysis demonstrate strong correlations between the odor-active compounds and odor properties. β-Caryophyllene is the main contributor to the woody aroma of Maojian herbal tea. The results of the present study offer a scientific insight into the aroma profile of Maojian herbal tea.