Instant tea is made by extracting the liquor from tea leaves, concentrating it, and then drying it into a powder.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
Instant Tea Production Process
The process of manufacturing instant tea involves several key steps:
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Extraction: This involves extracting the tea liquor from processed black tea leaves, tea wastes, or even undried fermented leaves. Hot water is typically used as the solvent.
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Concentration: The extracted liquor is then concentrated under low pressure. This process removes excess water, resulting in a more concentrated tea solution.
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Drying: The concentrated tea extract is then dried to create the final instant tea powder. Several drying methods are used:
- Freeze-Drying: This method produces a high-quality instant tea by freezing the concentrate and then removing the water through sublimation.
- Spray-Drying: This is a more common and cost-effective method where the concentrate is sprayed into a hot air stream, causing the water to evaporate rapidly.
- Vacuum-Drying: This method uses a vacuum to lower the boiling point of water, allowing it to evaporate at a lower temperature, preserving more of the tea's flavor.
Key Considerations
- Raw Materials: The quality of the initial tea leaves greatly influences the flavor and characteristics of the final instant tea product.
- Drying Method: The drying method used affects the final product's flavor, solubility, and appearance. Freeze-drying generally preserves the best flavor.
- Solubility: A key requirement for instant tea is its ability to dissolve quickly and completely in hot water.
- Storage: Instant tea needs to be stored properly to prevent moisture absorption and maintain its flavor and quality.
