Application of FT-IR, and Hyperspectral Analytical Protocols for Tea Leaves Natural Catechins and Caffeine Detection and Evaluation

The contents and distribution of catechins and caffeine, strongly reflect the physiology and nutrition of tea. In recent years, spectroscopy technology has been widely applied to the detection of tea content. Based on spectroscopy technology (Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging technique) and chemometrics, rapid and nondestructive determination model of catechins and caffeine content can be developed. In this chapter, we present a protocol for determining catechin and caffeine content in tea leaves by spectroscopy technology coupled with chemometrics. This analytical method could provide quick and efficient detection of catechin and caffeine in fresh tea leaves, which have great impacts on the cultivation of tea trees and the selection of raw materials for tea processing.