Comparative studies on the qualities of green teas in Karst and non-Karst areas of Yichang, Hubei Province, PR China

Green teas (Camellia sinensis) from the non-Karst and the Karst areas of Yichang, Hubei Province, PR China, have been compared as regards l-proline content of the green tea and the quality, as well as the soil properties. The results showed that some qualities of green tea from the Karst region, such as a higher content of l-proline and a lower contents of aluminum and fluoride were beneficial. Other qualities of green tea from the Karst region, for example, the lower content of tea polyphenols, were not beneficial. The differences in amino acids and caffeine contents were not statistically significant.