Rising temperatures, amongst other climate changes are affecting tea cultivation, altering the beverage's taste, aroma and potential health benefits, according to Tufts University researchers.
Tea is arguably the most popular beverage in the world. However, climate changes, particularly rising temperatures are largely affecting the cultivation of tea, altering its taste, aroma and potential health benefits, Tufts University researchers found in a new study.
Tufts University biologist Colin Orians revealed that he and a team of researchers will do a four-year study to look into the mechanism behind this and how rising temperatures affect the concentration of chemical compounds that are responsible for tea's stimulant, sensory and healthful properties.
"Since the quality of tea is determined by a range of secondary chemicals that depend on climatic conditions, climate change can have significant consequences for tea markets," said Orians in a press statement. "People buy and drink tea for certain qualities. If those qualities are not there, then they may not buy the tea."
Green tea contains antioxidants that prevent many health problems related to the heart, digestion and blood sugar levels. The new study will look into how climate change affects the cultivation of this and other agricultural products like grapes and cherries.
Climate change has not only affected the cultivation of tea but also the farmers who are involved in this process. Findings of this study can help these cultivators make appropriate alternations to their agricultural techniques in order to cope with the changing climatic conditions.
Tea expert Selena Ahmed revealed that warmer temperatures in the longer winters and more intense rainy seasons than in the past have resulted in the degradation of tea quality.
"Farmers value both the bitter sweetness and a lingering sweet aftertaste of tea," said Ahmed. "In our research, we learned that farmers perceived diminished quality in tea which they associated with the onset of monsoons. We have seen a seen a decrease in some key chemical compounds that are responsible for producing this flavor. These are also responsible for tea's health properties."
Tea is one of the most widely consumed beverages across the globe and United States is the biggest market for tea. According to statistics, Americans drink 3.6 billion gallons of tea annually. The Tea Association of the country revealed that the sale of tea in the country easily crosses the $2 billion mark each year. Argentina, China, India and Indonesia are the major manufacturing countries.
Researchers worry that this demand for tea may reduce if the quality of tea grown decreases, indirectly affecting the livelihood of many farmers.