Latest news with #Camelliasinensis
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
World's second most consumed beverage faces impacts from climate change
The world's second-most consumed beverage faces a potentially complicated future as climate change increasingly reshapes growing regions of Camellia sinensis - the plant responsible for producing tea. Every day, around 5 billion cups of the beverage are consumed, making it a staple around the globe, but a recent study warns that by 2025, more than half of the world's top 20 tea-producing countries may experience a reduction in land deemed suitable for cultivation. Researchers say that vital growing regions could lose their growing viability due to changing temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns and varying humidity levels. Climate change scenarios suggest that key growing regions may lose their suitability, potentially disrupting livelihoods and economies, for the most consumed beverage behind water. Countries such as Argentina, Malawi and Tanzania are expected to face the most significant losses in suitable tea-growing land, while regions in Turkey, Iran, Thailand and Rwanda may actually experience gains in cultivable terrain, due to evolving climate patterns. According to agricultural experts at Washington State University, optimal conditions for Camellia sinensis growth occur when relative humidity exceeds 75% and annual rainfall ranges between 50 and 100 inches. Some areas in eastern Africa and Asia are experiencing extended drought, with associated changes in humidity values, which impacts production levels. Dozens Of Bottles Of Cherries Found By Archeologists At The Home Of The United States' First President The United States is not considered to be a major producer of tea because of the climate and associated labor costs. Countries such as China, India, Kenya and Sri Lanka are the largest producers of the plant. According to the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization, over 60% of global tea is produced by small-scale farms, where the crop serves as the main source of income. The study evaluated nearly two dozen variables in primary growing areas, including precipitation patterns, changes in temperatures and soil acidity. Researchers cautioned that the data was based on a global scale and not meant for localized decision-making, which would require further studies. The drink's popularity stems not only from its cultural importance but also from its health impacts. According to the FAO, tea consumption has increased annually by more than 3%, due to its affordability and accessibility across all income groups. What Season Do Fruits And Vegetables Grow In? Black tea is the most widely consumed variety, followed by green, oolong, white and herbal varieties. Herbal teas are not made exclusively from the Camellia sinensis plant, meaning that more regions participate in the growing of elements such as peppermint and hibiscus. According to health experts at Harvard University, teas are a natural source of caffeine and rich in compounds known as polyphenols. Some studies have suggested that these plant-based nutrients may reduce inflammation and support heart health by reducing cardiovascular disease. The verdict is still out on whether hot teas provide a significant health benefit, as some research has found warm liquids may increase the risk of esophageal and stomach article source: World's second most consumed beverage faces impacts from climate change
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Magical make up of matcha
Tea is the second most consumed beverage globally, surpassed only by water. Among the various types of teas, Japanese matcha has garnered global attention for its distinct flavour, vibrant green colour, and remarkable health benefits. Made from finely ground Tencha leaves of Camellia sinensis, matcha is a powdered form of green tea with a rich concentration of bioactive compounds, offering superior nutritional and therapeutic value compared to other teas. What sets matcha apart is its traditional cultivation method. The tea plants are shaded for several weeks before harvest, which boosts the synthesis of specific bioactive compounds like theanine, caffeine, chlorophyll, and catechins. These compounds contribute significantly to its health-promoting properties. Matcha is exceptionally rich in polyphenols, which can make up around 30% of its dry weight. These natural antioxidants combat oxidative stress and inflammation, acting similarly to Vitamins C and E, carotene, and tocopherol. Notably, matcha contains four main catechins — (−)-epicatechin (EC), (−)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), (−)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and the highly potent (−)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the most abundant and active, offering broad-spectrum health protection.
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Drink that will leave wooden floors shining instantly - and you may already own
Home cleaning experts have shared the easiest way to get your floors sparkling without buying expensive floor cleaners - and it's all thanks to one natural drink No one enjoys the chore of cleaning floors, but it can be seriously satisfying to see them sparkling afterwards. Now, cleaning gurus have found one specific natural drink that can make your floors instantly shiny without the need to scrub away. According to home experts at Apartment Therapy, black tea is an all-natural cleaning method that will help clean wooden floors without any hassle. Best of all, you're more than likely to already have a few tea bags in your cupboard. Not only will it make life easier, but it's also budget-friendly. Black tea contains tannic acid, which can help gently clean wood surfaces. The experts explained, "Tannins in the tea add a light, warm 'stain' and help to bring out the wood's natural warm tones Besides its beautifying qualities, black tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant contains polyphenolic compounds that prevent microbial growth", as reported by Nottingham Live. In order to incorporate it into your cleaning routine, you first of all need to remove any dust and debris by sweeping or vacuuming your floors before mopping. To create the tea floor cleaner, you'll need to bring half a gallon of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove it from the heat and place eight bags of black tea in the hot water for ten to 15 minutes. After brewing, squeeze any remaining liquid out of the tea bags before discarding them. The best part is that while you've got your kettle on, you can make yourself a brew to enjoy after all your hard work. Allow your floor cleaning mixture to cool a little until it is lukewarm, then, once cooled, dunk a clean cloth into the mixture and wring it out thoroughly. It's advised to test the solution on a small part of the floor to make sure it doesn't cause your floor to discolour or damage. If it seems to be fine, start rubbing the soaked cloth in the natural direction of the wood grain, and it's important not to use excessive amounts of liquid. This is because wooden floors should never be drenched, as too much moisture can cause warping or damage over time. Gently work the cloth into areas with light scratches or wear. Depending on the tone of your floor, you may want to adjust the number of tea bags used. Four to six tea bags should suffice for lighter wood, while ten to 12 bags may be needed for darker floors to achieve a deeper, richer effect. The solution can be stored and used for up to 24 hours after brewing.
Wales Online
23-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Wales' love affair with nation's favourite drink could reshape its hills and valleys
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Rows of tea plants could become a more familiar sight on the hills of Wales in the future, researchers believe. Cutting-edge science – including AI – is being harnessed to select optimum growing sites and take advantage of the warming climate. Not so long ago, Welsh hill farmers would have scoffed at the idea, and most scientists would have agreed with them. But in late 2023, trials of began on a 150-acre beef and sheep farm in Powys and the results could open the doors to domestic tea revolution. In the hope of boosting farm profits through diversification, Mandy Lloyd planted 140 Camellia sinensis tea bushes on different plots at Cleobury Farm at Heyope, Knighton. The site were selected using 'geospatial analysis', a process which matches the compatibility of crops with micro factors such as climate, light intensity and soil characteristics. If Mandy succeeds, with support from Welsh Government body Farming Connect, she will become the first UK grower to produce the crop on a hill farm. She sees it as a way of shortening supply chains by reducing leaf imports from Kenya, Sri Lanka and India. 'There is a need for an environmentally and socially responsible food and drink local supply chain,' she suggested Tea is grown successfully in Britain's lowland areas, notably in the south of England where where several tea plantations have been established. Blazing a trail in Wales was Vale of Glamorgan fruit farmer Lucy George, who established her tea enterprise near Cardiff back in 2013. She began by importing seeds from all over the world to select ones that would cope with more extreme conditions. It took her years for her tea plants to reach knee height before the laborious picking process could get underway. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now (Image: Farming Connect) Her Peterston Tea is now being sold by the likes of Llanrwst's Blas ar Fwyd. At £18 for a 12g pouch, it's not cheap, reflecting the effort involved in growing it. But there is a quality dividend, she believes. 'The climate is quite challenging,' Lucy told the BBC. 'It's very marginal conditions for tea, but to some extent it lends itself to hopefully a better flavour tea, because it grows a lot slower than it would in more equatorial regions.' To assess the potential for cultivating tea in places likes Wales, Aberystwyth University scientists have been using machine-learning to analyse UK-grown bushes. As well as assisting Mandy in Powys, the research team is assessing six varieties of tea being grown at the Dartmoor Estate Tea plantation in Devon. By identifying and quantifying metabolites at a molecular level, the team hopes to establish the best microclimates and soils. This emerging field, called metabolomics, aims to better to understand metabolic processes in plants and animals. Speaking on International Tea Day 2025, senior researcher Dr Amanda J Lloyd said: 'This study is contributing to the growing field of metabolomics by providing a comprehensive chemical profile of tea grown in a non-traditional region. 'Our findings offer new insights into the adaptability of tea plants and their potential for cultivation in emerging regions, contributing to global food security and agricultural diversification.' Further research is still needed to gain a full understanding of tea chemistry, she said. But the team remains hopeful its findings will help the UK tea growers develop climate-appropriate production strategies. It raises the prospect of the Welsh hills and their misty valleys one day boasting terraced tea plantations like those in traditional growing countries. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
23-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
Wales' love affair with nation's favourite drink could reshape its hills and valleys
Rows of tea plants could become a more familiar sight on the hills of Wales in the future, researchers believe. Cutting-edge science – including AI – is being harnessed to select optimum growing sites and take advantage of the warming climate. Not so long ago, Welsh hill farmers would have scoffed at the idea, and most scientists would have agreed with them. But in late 2023, trials of began on a 150-acre beef and sheep farm in Powys and the results could open the doors to domestic tea revolution. In the hope of boosting farm profits through diversification, Mandy Lloyd planted 140 Camellia sinensis tea bushes on different plots at Cleobury Farm at Heyope, Knighton. The site were selected using 'geospatial analysis', a process which matches the compatibility of crops with micro factors such as climate, light intensity and soil characteristics. If Mandy succeeds, with support from Welsh Government body Farming Connect, she will become the first UK grower to produce the crop on a hill farm. She sees it as a way of shortening supply chains by reducing leaf imports from Kenya, Sri Lanka and India. 'There is a need for an environmentally and socially responsible food and drink local supply chain,' she suggested Tea is grown successfully in Britain's lowland areas, notably in the south of England where where several tea plantations have been established. Blazing a trail in Wales was Vale of Glamorgan fruit farmer Lucy George, who established her tea enterprise near Cardiff back in 2013. She began by importing seeds from all over the world to select ones that would cope with more extreme conditions. It took her years for her tea plants to reach knee height before the laborious picking process could get underway. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Her Peterston Tea is now being sold by the likes of Llanrwst's Blas ar Fwyd. At £18 for a 12g pouch, it's not cheap, reflecting the effort involved in growing it. But there is a quality dividend, she believes. 'The climate is quite challenging,' Lucy told the BBC. 'It's very marginal conditions for tea, but to some extent it lends itself to hopefully a better flavour tea, because it grows a lot slower than it would in more equatorial regions.' To assess the potential for cultivating tea in places likes Wales, Aberystwyth University scientists have been using machine-learning to analyse UK-grown bushes. As well as assisting Mandy in Powys, the research team is assessing six varieties of tea being grown at the Dartmoor Estate Tea plantation in Devon. By identifying and quantifying metabolites at a molecular level, the team hopes to establish the best microclimates and soils. This emerging field, called metabolomics, aims to better to understand metabolic processes in plants and animals. Speaking on International Tea Day 2025, senior researcher Dr Amanda J Lloyd said: 'This study is contributing to the growing field of metabolomics by providing a comprehensive chemical profile of tea grown in a non-traditional region. 'Our findings offer new insights into the adaptability of tea plants and their potential for cultivation in emerging regions, contributing to global food security and agricultural diversification.' Further research is still needed to gain a full understanding of tea chemistry, she said. But the team remains hopeful its findings will help the UK tea growers develop climate-appropriate production strategies. It raises the prospect of the Welsh hills and their misty valleys one day boasting terraced tea plantations like those in traditional growing countries. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
