Integration of non-targeted/targeted metabolomics and electronic sensor technology reveals the chemical and sensor variation in 12 representative yellow teas

Yellow tea is a lightly fermented tea with unique sensory qualities and health benefits. However, chemical composition and sensory quality of yellow tea products have rarely been studied. 12 representative yellow teas, which were basically covered the main products of yellow tea, were chosen in this study. Combined analysis of non-targeted/targeted metabolomics and electronic sensor technologies (E-eye, E-nose, E-tongue) revealed the chemical and sensor variation. The results showed that yellow big tea differed greatly from yellow bud teas and yellow little teas, but yellow bud teas could not be effectively distinguished from yellow little teas based on chemical constituents and electronic sensory characteristics. Sensor variation of yellow teas might be attributed to some compounds related to bitterness and aftertaste-bitterness (4′-dehydroxylated gallocatechin-3-O-gallate, dehydrotheasinensin C, myricitin 3-O-galactoside, phloroglucinol), aftertaste-astringency (methyl gallate, 1,5-digalloylglucose, 2,6-digalloylglucose), and sweetness (maltotriose). This study provided a comprehensive understanding of yellow tea on chemical composition and sensory quality.