Enzymatic Aroma Engineering for Distinct Tea Flavour Development
Tea is far more than a simple beverage. It is a carefully shaped sensory experience where aroma, taste, and depth come together in a delicate balance influenced by both nature and science. Behind this complexity lies a biochemical system that quietly works from the moment tea leaves are harvested. Enzymes play a central role here, guiding how flavour is created, released, and refined. The transformation begins immediately after plucking. Enzymes inside the leaf start interacting with natural compounds. Fast reactions follow. These changes influence aroma, colour, and overall character, shaping what will eventually reach the cup. One of the most important processes is oxidation. Enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase act on polyphenols present in the leaf. They convert catechins into theaflavins and thearubigins. This is what gives black tea its deeper colour and stronger, fuller flavour. Green tea takes a different route. Here, enzyme activity is stopped early through heat t...