Biochemical attributes of tea flowers (Camellia sinensis) at different developmental stages in the Kangra region of India

Physiological and biochemical attributes were studied in different developmental stages from unopened bud (stage 1) to full bloom (stage 5) of flowers of tea (Camellia sinensis). The proteins recorded higher levels in stages 1 and 2 and decreased thereafter with development of flowers. Like the tea shoots, flavan-3-ol EGCG and EC were present in highest and lowest amounts, respectively in all stages of flower development. The highest content of flavan-3-ols EGC and EGCG were found in stage 3. The highest proanthocyanidins content was observed in stage 2 and decreased to a minimum at full bloom stage. Polyphenol oxidase, β-glucosidase activities were found to increase from bud to stage 3 where petals started to split and slightly decreased thereafter. Glycosidic bound volatile compounds viz. Linalool oxide cis (3.11%), linalool (22.73%), geraniol (2.69%), 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol (9.71%), methyl palmitate (2.78%), methyl linoleate (2.74%), methyl salicylate (2.62%), α-terpineol (0.33), beta-ionone (1.24%) and nerolidol (0.8%) were present in higher amounts at stage 3 of flower development. The volatile flavour components recorded higher values at stage 3 of flower development with higher contents of linalool, geraniol, linalool oxides, acetophenone, pentadienal, benzaldehyde and hexanoic acid. Antioxidant activity of tea flowers also increased from bud to reach the maximum at stage 3 and decreased to a minimum in the full bloom stage.

► Physiological and biochemical changes in the development stages of tea flower.
► High contents of flavonols, catechins, caffeine and aroma components at stage 3.
► DPPH radical scavenging activity found high at stage 3.
► Can be used for making speciality teas.