Effects of climate change on crop quality and taste investigated
Scientists and farmers have joined forces in an effort to investigate the effects of climate change on tea bushes and the resulting infusion. A group of researchers from the US is analyzing how the erosion of climate patterns in growing countries impact the appearance, taste and health properties of tea. So far, laboratory studies indicate key health compounds can decrease by almost 50 percent when the leaves are harvested after the monsoon season, compared to those harvested after a drought. This correlates to farmers' sensory perceptions, which indicate that infusions are more intense in taste and aroma following droughts, whereas those that follow monsoons are usually more diluted. The aim of the research is to enable a better crop management and to enhance resilience and adaptation of tea bushes.