Metabolomic analysis reveals the quality characteristics of Yi Gong tea leaves at different harvesting periods

Journal of Food BiochemistryVolume 46, Issue 12 e14478 ORIGINAL ARTICLE Metabolomic analysis reveals the quality characteristics of Yi Gong tea leaves at different harvesting periods Zheng-hong Li, Zheng-hong Li orcid.org/0000-0003-1601-6122 College of Biological and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorGuo-qiang Zhang, Corresponding Author Guo-qiang Zhang guoqiang2008@163.com College of Biological and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, China Correspondence Guo-qiang Zhang, College of Biological and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, Anhui, China. Email: guoqiang2008@163.comSearch for more papers by this author Zheng-hong Li, Zheng-hong Li orcid.org/0000-0003-1601-6122 College of Biological and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, ChinaSearch for more papers by this authorGuo-qiang Zhang, Corresponding Author Guo-qiang Zhang guoqiang2008@163.com College of Biological and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, China Correspondence Guo-qiang Zhang, College of Biological and Food Engineering, Anhui Polytechnic University, Wuhu, Anhui, China. Email: guoqiang2008@163.comSearch for more papers by this author First published: 14 October 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/jfbc.14478Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract To obtain a theoretical reference for understanding the changes in metabolites of Yigong tea leaves during different harvesting periods and to determine the optimal harvesting period, we performed a metabolome comparison using UPLC-Q-Exactive MS on Yigong tea leaves from different harvesting periods. The results indicated that a total of 41 metabolites were significantly altered during the growth of Yi Gong tea leaves. These involved 7 amino acids and their derivatives, 16 flavonols and flavonol glycosides, 4 organic acids, 3 catechins, 3 carbohydrates, 7 fatty acid esters, 1 terpene, and 3 substances from others. In particular, the levels of arginine and glutamine were higher in early-harvested tea leaves than in late-harvested tea leaves; the levels of flavonoids and flavonols were higher in late-harvested tea leaves. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the caffeine metabolism and the flavonoid biosynthesis perform key roles in Yigong tea leaves from different harvesting periods. Practical Applications At present, the application of metabolomics in tea research is focused on the study of pesticide residues, processing processes, environmental stresses, and regional differences. This study is to focus on the effect of the tea harvesting period on tea quality through metabolomics. Through metabolomics, we can better determine the optimal tea harvesting period, and this study can improve the quality of this tea product and may be able to bring some favourable favorable contributions contribution to the local tea marketing in the future. CONFLICT OF INTEREST The authors declared that they have no conflict of interest. Open Research DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT The data that supports the findings of this study are available in the supplementary material of this article. Supporting Information Filename Description jfbc14478-sup-0001-FigureS1.docxWord 2007 document , 511.5 KB Figure S1 jfbc14478-sup-0002-TableS1.xlsxExcel 2007 spreadsheet , 33.3 KB Table S1 jfbc14478-sup-0003-Supinfo.zipZip archive, 1.2 MB Appendix S1 Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article. Volume46, Issue12December 2022e14478 RelatedInformation