The chemistry of tea as a beverage is reviewed in depth, covering both
historical and current chemical perspectives. Special attention is gi
ven to the polyphenols in tea, although the general composition and pr
operties are also treated. Current trends in tea science, particularly
in the area of polyphenol complexation and antioxidant properties, ar
e also covered. The need for a chemically based understanding, rather
than one hypothesized from generalized and indirect observation, is st
ressed.