Numerous teas are categorized into six types green tea, white tea, yellow tea, cyan tea[oolong tea], black tea, and dark tea, based on processing methods and the degree of fermentation, which are centered around changes in tea polyphenols. Among these...
Numerous teas are categorized into six types green tea, white tea, yellow tea, cyan tea[oolong tea], black tea, and dark tea, based on processing methods and the degree of fermentation, which are centered around changes in tea polyphenols. Among these, Korea has long enjoyed 'Jaeksalcha,' a traditional fermented tea. 'Jeoksal' in Jeoksalcha is a Hadong Hwagae dialect word for 'Jakseol,' and it was also used as an emergency medicine.
This study aims to compare and analyze the differences in the components of black tea processed in the Hadong and Gimhae regions and to identify the quality characteristics by region. For this, HPLC analysis was conducted on black tea samples processed from
the first and second flushes of 2025. The content of major components of black tea, such as catechin, theaflavin, and caffeine, was measured.
The results showed that first-flush black tea from the Hadong region contained relatively higher levels of catechins, indicating superior antioxidant properties. In contrast, black tea from the Gimhae region, produced from cultivars belonging to the large-leaf type within the small-leaf variety, exhibited higher levels of theaflavins, suggesting stronger anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic effects. In addition, the higher caffeine content observed in Gimhae black tea indicated a more pronounced stimulatory effect.
The chemical composition of the tea leaves varied depending on the cultivar, and different results were also observed according to the plucking season. Sensory evaluations showed similar results overall. These findings suggest that regional cultivation environments, cultivars, plucking seasons, and processing conditions influence the variation in the chemical components of black tea.
This study verified the functional superiority of Korean black tea by comparing and analyzing the quality characteristics of black teas produced in Hadong and Gimhae. These findings suggest the potential use of this research as foundational data for improving the quality of Korean black tea products and developing consumer-oriented products.
Furthermore, it is expected that the understanding of the quality characteristics of Korean black tea will be further expanded.