Flavor Characteristics, Quality-Influencing Factors and Bioactive Benefits of Xinyang Maojian Tea: A Critical Review with Future Perspectives

Xinyang Maojian tea (XYMJ), a premium green tea from the northernmost tea-growing region of China, is renowned for its chestnut-like aroma and umami-sweet taste profile. Distinct from southern classic green teas (e.g. West Lake Longjing), XYMJ forms a unique biochemical signature shaped by Dabie Mountains terroir, indigenous cultivars, and traditional processing. Enriched with unique proportions of active ingredients such as tea polyphenols, tea polysaccharides, and theanine, XYMJ demonstrates potential antioxidant, antibacterial, and hypoglycemic properties, regulates gut bacteria, and may improve lipid metabolism, some of which exhibit subtle differences from other mainstream green teas. This review systematically summarizes its flavor features and health functions, clarifies key influencing factors and research gaps. It also proposes specific scientific hypotheses and future research directions, aiming to provide a robust scientific foundation for further research, quality control, and resource development efforts related to XYMJ, while highlighting its unique value in the global green tea landscape.