Rising temperatures and worsening weather extremes in countries such as Kenya, India and Sri Lanka could make the taste of tea more bitter and harsh, with less consistent flavours.

Tea production relies on stable temperature and rainfall conditions, which are now shifting in producer nations. Optimal growth conditions are within a relatively narrow temperature range of 13C to 30C (and with adequate but not excessive rainfall). Even tea growers in the UK are experiencing climate change that is making it much harder to achieve consistent flavours.

Disruptions to harvests caused by the changing climate are also likely to cause price spikes, rising costs and unreliable supplies of the cuppa. Tea flavours and quality depend on a balance of compounds such as catechins, amino acids and polyphenols. However, higher temperatures increase the production of more astringent compounds while reducing sweetness, leading to a more bitter taste.

Erratic rainfall can dilute compounds that give tea its depth and character, while extreme weather, including droughts and floods, can also put pressure on the plants, leading to lower yields, worse quality and more bitter crops.

Source: Sky News/Radiox.uk (Extracts), Courtesy: Tea Exporters' Association Sri Lanka