Indian tea tastes different due to climate change

[n2doc]

December 31, 2010 By WASBIR HUSSAIN , Associated Press


(AP) -- Tea growers in northeastern India say climate change has hurt the country's tea crop, leading not just to a drop in production but also subtly altering the flavor of their brew.

Tropical Assam state, with its high humidity and lush greenery, is India's main tea growing region, producing nearly 55 percent of the country's enormous tea crop. Overall, India accounts for 31 percent of global tea production. But a gradual rise in Assam's temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns and a dip in tea production have plantation owners scared.

The area in northern India is the source of some of the finest black and British-style teas. Assam teas are notable for their heartiness, strength and body, and are often sold as "breakfast" teas.

Rajib Barooah, a tea planter in Jorhat, Assam's main tea growing district, called the changes "worrisome developments," and said they had weakened the potent taste of Assam tea. "We are indeed concerned," he said. "Assam tea's strong flavor is its hallmark."

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http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-12-indian-tea-due-climate.html

[petronius]

1. Interesting. There must be a literature on how growing conditions affect tea taste

and quality (just like with wine); I'd be curious to know what variables play the biggest roles, and how. At the same time, I wonder if non-climate factors might also be changing, like soil fertility, irrigation methods, harvesting levels, etc. Hope they figure it out - I like tea...

[xchrom]

2. Interesting. Nt

[YankeyMCC]

3. Not surprising

I don't recall a specific article or study but I'm sure the same concerns go for grapes and the tastes of wine.