ISHS Acta Horticulturae 218: XII African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
CAFFEINE CONTENTS OF TEA; SEASONAL AND CLONAL VARIATIONS, AND EFFECTS OF PLUCKING STANDARDS UNDER KENYAN CONDITIONS |
| Authors: | Philip O. Owuor, A. M. Chavanji |
| Abstract:
Different clones of tea are shown to have different contents of caffeine. The tender, younger leaves of tea bushes contain higher caffeine contents than older leaves. Leaf stalks accumulate low levels of caffeine. A fine plucking standard ensures a higher caffeine content in made tea. Seasonal fluctuation in two leaves and a bud were found to differ by 24 to 30% caffeine content, depending on clones. The effects of clonal differences and seasonal fluctuations are discussed in light of international tea standards and quality characteristics of made teas. | |
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