Aerospace Mutagenesis Increases the Content of Characteristic Metabolites of Tea Tree Leaves and Enhances Taste Characteristics of Tea Leaves

Aerospace mutagenesis can alter the physiological metabolism and growth of tea trees and affect tea leaf quality. In this study, the effect of aerospace mutagenesis on the metabolite content and taste characteristics of Dahongpao fresh leaves and raw tea were analyzed. The results showed that aerospace mutagenesis had little effect on the composition and total amount of metabolites in fresh leaves and raw tea, but significantly changed the content of different metabolites. Aerospace mutagenesis improved the content of lipids, lignans and coumarins, and amino acids and derivatives, which in turn enhanced the aroma and fresh and brisk taste of fresh leaves. Aerospace mutagenesis increased the content of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, lignans and coumarins, amino acids and derivatives, and organic acids in raw tea, and enhanced the bitterness, mellowness, and fresh and brisk taste of raw tea. This study provides a basis for the development of aerospace mutagenesis Dahongpao tea products and the establishment of processing techniques.