Effects of Pile-Fermentation Duration on the Taste Quality of Single-Cultivar Large-Leaf Dark Tea: Insights from Metabolomics and Microbiomics

The pile-fermentation conditions and raw materials used play a vital role in determining the stability and quality of dark tea. In this study, sensory quality evaluation, metabolomics, and microbiomics techniques were used to investigate the effect of pile-fermentation duration on the taste quality of single-cultivar large-leaf dark tea (SLDT) and its underlying metabolite and microbial mechanisms. The study revealed that a 60-day duration resulted in a better SLDT sensory quality, with astringency and bitterness significantly reduced and sweetness increased. Catechins and theaflavins with ester structures, L-epicatechin, methyl gallate, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, salicin, chlorogenic acid, and neochlorogenic acid were key taste metabolites contributing to the reduction of astringency and bitterness. Salicylic acid and D-sorbitol helped form the sweetness. Correlation analysis found out <i>Aspergillus</i>, <i>Thermomyces</i>, <i>Bacillus</i>, <i>Staphylococcus</i>, and <i>Micrococcaceae</i> were core functional microorganisms linked to these metabolites, helping to foster the higher quality of SLDT. Microorganisms shaped the taste quality of SLDT through metabolic processes and enzyme secretion during pile-fermentation. This study provided insights into the metabolite basis and microbiological mechanisms of SLDT taste formation and offered guidance for optimizing production processes to improve the stability and quality of dark tea.