Effects of drying methods on the principal biochemical components of different cultivars of tea flower

The contents of principal biochemical components of six cultivars of tea flower dried by air-dry and freeze-dry method were determined. The results indicated that Sichuan population had the highest content of total phenolics and total catechins in both air-dry and freeze-dry method, which also suggested that Sichuan population possessed the greatest potential of healthcare function. Besides, the contents of total phenolics and catechins of Sichuan population were higher in air-dry method at ( 108.33 ± 5.97) mg/g than in freeze-dry method at ( 39.84 ± 2.79) mg/g.Air-dried Fudingdabai had relatively low content of caffeine at ( 2.43 ± 0.17) mg/g and high content of phenolics, which was suitable for processing low-caffeine products. Drying method significantly influenced the contents of biochemical components. Tea flower samples dried by air-dry method, compared with that by freeze-dry method, possessed higher contents of total phenolics and total catechins while more flavone and caffeine were preserved in freeze-dried samples. In Summary, Sichuan population and Fudingdabai had greater potential for further development, while the selection of appropriate drying method was depended on the requirements for the contents of target components.