[Objective] We aimed to investigate the differences of polyphenols content in Anxi Tieguanyin tea among different seasons and relationship between polyphenols and tea quality.[Method] The content of total polyphenols and main phenolic compounds was analyzed by spectrophotometry and HPLC and the sensory quality assessment was carried out.[Result] There were significant differences in the content of polyphenols in Anxi Tieguanyin tea among different seasons.The summer tea had a higher content of polyphenols and ester type catechins and a heavier undesirable taste with more bitterness and astringency than spring tea and autumn tea with lower quality in general.The flavonol content of spring and autumn tea was significantly higher and the color of tea soup was better.[Conclusion] This study provided a basis for the quality improvement of summer tea by regulating the content of total polyphenols and provided a basic data for chemical analysis of Oolong tea.
