Botanists have unlocked the genetic secrets of the plant prized for producing tea. A team in China has decoded the genetic building blocks of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, whose leaves are used for all types of tea, including black, green and oolong. The research gives an insight into the chemicals that give tea its flavour. Read more
The European Union (EU) has registered India's Darjeeling tea with a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The tag seeks to protect product names from misuse and imitation. This has made Darjeeling tea the seventh non-EU product receiving the protected status, following one from Colombia and five from China. Read more
Scientists uncover the secret of the perfect cuppa
Researchers at Northumbria University have revealed the formula for making the perfect cup of tea for British taste buds. The team, from the School of Life Sciences, were commissioned by milk manufacturers Cravendale, to discover the secrets behind the British obsession with 'the cuppa'. Their research led to the creation of a formula and a range of tested facts designed to help make the perfect brew. Each year, Brits make 60.2 billion cups of tea and 98% of the population take their tea with milk. Read more