Soil nutrient deficiency decreases the postharvest quality-related metabolite contents of tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) leaves

•Long-term soil nutrient deficiency caused chlorophyll decrease and leaf etiolation.•Nutrient deficiency decreased total amino acids, caffeine and many aroma compounds.•Decrease in quality-related metabolites was related to structural gene expression.•Long-term nutrient deficiency reduced the quality of tea color, taste and aroma.