Effects of Pile-Fermentation Duration on the Taste Quality of Single-Cultivar Large-Leaf Dark Tea: Insights from Metabolomics and Microbiomics
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The pile-fermentation conditions and raw materials used play a vital role in determining the stability and quality of dark tea. In this study, sensory quality evaluation, metabolomics, and microbiomics techniques were used to investigate the effect of pile-fermentation duration on the taste quality of single-cultivar large-leaf dark tea (SLDT) and its underlying metabolite and microbial mechanisms. The study revealed that a 60-day duration resulted in a better SLDT sensory quality, with astringency and bitterness significantly reduced and sweetness increased. Catechins and theaflavins with ester structures, L-epicatechin, methyl gallate, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, salicin, chlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid were key taste metabolites contributing to the reduction of astringency and bitterness. Salicylic acid and D-sorbitol helped form the sweetness. Correlation analysis found out Aspergillus, Thermomyces, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, and Micrococcaceae were core functional microorganisms linked to these metabolites, helping to foster the higher quality of SLDT. Microorganisms shaped the taste quality of SLDT through metabolic processes and enzyme secretion during pile-fermentation. This study provided insights into the metabolite basis and microbiological mechanisms of SLDT taste formation and offered guidance for optimizing production processes to improve the stability and quality of dark tea.
Source: Foods
Language: English
Topic: Tea Polyphenols and Effects
Subfield: Pathology and Forensic Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,499
Funders: National Natural Science Foundation of China, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Project, Special Fund for Scientific Innovation Strategy-Construction of High-level Academy of Agriculture Science, Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation of Guangdong Province
Awards: G1240875880, G1453765155, G1469494307, G1639654965, G2265199009, G2514420258, G2757292836, G3385183316, G3481580821, G3535146885, G3783230838, G3985215003, G4339475216, G4573531584, G5020963641, G503525410, G5767529058, G5821799246, G5979229190, G6093705915, G6313746047, G6353010095, G6720157968, G6746736903, G6842546716, G7017612609, G7169159659, G7349538253, G7629710075, G7815663637, G8020550502, G8044278619, G8090436838, G8622468210, G8690436316, G877238078, G987273615
OpenAlex ID: W4407639242