Why is it in News?
→ FSSAI clarified that tea must be derived from Camellia sinensis.
→ Clarification issued regarding classification of tea beverages.
Important Points
- Camellia sinensis belongs to family Theaceae.
- Source plant for green, black, oolong, and white tea.
- Grows as shrub or evergreen tree up to 16 m.
- Cultivated up to 2200 m altitude.
- Requires temperature of 15°C–23°C.
- Requires annual rainfall of 150–300 cm.
- Prefers acidic, calcium-free soil.
- Widely grown in India, China, Japan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Malaysia.
- Black tea is fully oxidized.
- Green tea oxidation is prevented.