Powdered green tea extract composition

Abstract

A powdered green tea extract composition comprising the following components (A) to (C): (A) non-polymer catechins, (B) quinic acid, and (C) high molecular weight sugar, wherein the volatile matter is 5.6% by mass or less, the mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is less than 0.2, and the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.2 or more, and the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is calculated. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * , and the rate of change calculated by the following formula (2) is 5% or more. (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)[where Δa1 * and Δa * Compared with Δa1 described in this manual * and Δa * have the same meaning].

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a powdered green tea extract composition. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, due to the improvement of health awareness, the physiological effects of non-polymer catechins have attracted attention, and the demand for tea beverages and other food and beverages has expanded. Continuous intake of food and beverages containing high concentrations of non-polymer catechins is conducive to fully expressing the physiological effects of non-polymer catechins. Therefore, various studies have been conducted on various technologies for purifying green tea extracts to remove impurities and thus purify non-polymer catechins. For example, the following methods have been proposed: a method in which a solid catechin preparation containing a specified concentration of non-polymer catechins is added to a solvent in which the weight ratio of an organic solvent to water is controlled to be fixed, and the weight ratio of the organic solvent to water is adjusted to a specific concentration by adding water thereto, and then the insoluble solid components are removed (Patent Document 1); a method in which a catechin composition is dissolved in a mixed solvent in which the mass ratio of an organic solvent to water is controlled to be fixed, and the mixture is contacted with activated carbon and acidic clay or activated clay (Patent Document 2); a method in which a green tea extract is adsorbed by passing through a column filled with a synthetic adsorbent, and then water is passed through the column to wash the column, and then an ethanol aqueous solution of a specific concentration is passed through the column (Patent Document 3), etc.

[0003] On the other hand, starch decomposition products such as maltodextrin are a type of saccharide formed by sugar bonds, and are known as water-soluble dietary fibers with a moderate sweetness. The application of such starch decomposition products to food and beverages has been studied. For example, it is reported that if starch decomposition products are formulated in tea beverages, it can have both the original flavor of tea and improve the turbidity phenomenon after cooling during storage (Patent Document 4). In addition, it is known that instant green tea obtained by mixing and drying powdered tea leaves treated with antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and extracts obtained by extracting with an aqueous solvent to which antioxidants such as ascorbic acid and dextrin are added can inhibit the generation of fading or spoilage caused by light degradation (Patent Document 5).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-147508

[0005] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-222719

[0006] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-160656

[0007] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-145

[0008] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-254819 Summary of the invention

[0009] The present invention provides a powdered green tea extract composition, which contains the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0010] (A) Non-polymer catechins,

[0011] (B) Quinic acid,

[0012] (C) high molecular weight sugars, and

[0013] The volatile matter is 5.6% by mass or less,

[0014] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is less than 0.2,

[0015] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.2 or more,

[0016] The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and,

[0017] The change rate calculated by the following formula (2) is 5% or more.

[0018] (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0019] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system *The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.]

[0020] The present invention also provides a method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition, comprising the following steps: mixing (a) a green tea extract having a content of (A) non-polymer catechins of 40% by mass or more in the solid component and (C) a high molecular weight sugar in the presence of an aqueous solvent so that the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] becomes 1.2 or more, and then drying the mixed solution. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The technology described in the above-mentioned Patent Document 5 suppresses the fading of coloring components such as chlorophyll from powdered tea leaves when exposed to light, thereby preventing the appearance from changing. Generally, when a green tea extract composition is not purified or the purity of non-polymer catechins is relatively low, its appearance will not change significantly even if it is stored for a long time as long as it is powdered and shielded from light. However, the inventors of the present invention have found that there is a problem that as the purity of non-polymer catechins increases with the increase in the degree of purification of the green tea extract composition, even if it is powdered and shielded from light, it is easy to have a reddish color and cause a significant change in appearance if it is stored for a long time.

[0022] The present invention relates to a powdered green tea extract composition containing high-purity non-polymer catechins and which is unlikely to undergo hue change during long-term storage, and a method for producing the same.

[0023] The inventors of the present invention have conducted studies in view of the above circumstances and have found that a powdered green tea extract composition in which the mass ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (B) quinic acid [(B) / (A)] is less than a specific value and (C) a high-molecular sugar is contained in a specific mass ratio relative to (A) non-polymer catechins can be obtained, in which the hue change during long-term storage is suppressed.

[0024] According to the present invention, a powdered green tea extract composition containing high-purity non-polymer catechins and which is unlikely to change in color during long-term storage can be produced by a simple operation.

[0025] [Powdered green tea extract composition]

[0026] The powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention contains non-polymer catechins as component (A). In this specification, "non-polymer catechins" is a general term for non-gallate forms such as catechin, gallocatechin, epicatechin and epigallocatechin, and gallate forms such as catechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin gallate. In the present invention, at least one of the above eight non-polymer catechins may be contained.

[0027] The content of component (A) in the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is preferably 2% by mass or more, more preferably 3% by mass or more, and further preferably 4% by mass or more from the perspective of strengthening non-polymer catechins. In addition, from the perspective of suppressing hue changes during long-term storage, it is preferably 45% by mass or less, more preferably 42% by mass or less, and further preferably 38% by mass or less. The range of the content of the component (A) is preferably 2 to 45% by mass, more preferably 3 to 42% by mass, and further preferably 4 to 38% by mass. In addition, the content of component (A) is defined based on the total amount of the above 8 species, and can be measured by an analytical method suitable for measuring the condition of the sample in a commonly known determination method. For example, it can be analyzed by liquid chromatography, and specifically, the method described in the following embodiment can be cited. In addition, during the determination, it is also possible to apply appropriate treatment as needed. For example, in order to be suitable for the detection area of ​​the device, the sample can also be freeze-dried, or, in order to be suitable for the separation ability of the device, the inclusions in the sample can also be removed.

[0028] The powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention contains quinic acid as component (B). Component (B) is preferably derived from the raw materials and is not newly added.

[0029] About the content of the component (B) of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention, from the viewpoint of flavor, preferably 3% by mass or less, more preferably 2% by mass or less, more preferably 1.0% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.8% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.6% by mass or less. In addition, the lower limit of the content of the component (B) may also be 0% by mass, but from the viewpoint of production efficiency, it is preferably 0.00001% by mass or more, more preferably 0.0001% by mass or more, and even more preferably 0.001% by mass or more. As the range of the content of the component (B), it is preferably 0.00001 to 3% by mass, more preferably 0.00001 to 2% by mass, more preferably 0.00001 to 1% by mass, and even more preferably 0.0001 to 0.8% by mass, and even more preferably 0.001 to 0.6% by mass. In addition, the content of the component (B) can be determined by an analytical method suitable for measuring the condition of the sample in a commonly known determination method. For example, the analysis can be performed by liquid chromatography, and specifically, the method described in the following examples can be cited. In addition, appropriate treatment can be applied as needed during the measurement, for example, the sample can be freeze-dried to fit the detection area of ​​the device, or foreign matter in the sample can be removed to fit the separation capability of the device.

[0030] The powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention contains a high molecular weight sugar as a component (C). In the present specification, "high molecular weight sugar" refers to a high molecular weight compound obtained by polymerizing various sugars through glycosidic bonds.

[0031] As component (C), from the viewpoint of suppressing the change of hue during long-term storage, preferably a high molecular sugar from starch, for example, starch degradation products can be cited. Among them, in this specification, "starch degradation products" refer to those obtained by decomposing starch using enzymes and / or acids. For example, dextrins obtained in the following manner can be cited, that is, starch is dispersed in water, enzymes (such as α-amylase) and / or acids (such as hydrochloric acid or oxalic acid) are added thereto, and heated to gelatinize and hydrolyze. In addition, purification such as decolorization and deionization can be performed as needed, and it can be used in a liquid state or made into a powder by spray drying, drum drying, etc. and used. As starch degradation products, for example, corn starch degradation products, waxy corn starch degradation products, cassava degradation products, potato degradation products, glutinous rice degradation products, sweet potato degradation products, wheat degradation products, etc. can be cited, among which, from the viewpoint of suppressing the change of hue during long-term storage, waxy corn starch degradation products and sweet potato degradation products are preferred, and waxy corn starch degradation products are more preferably preferred.

[0032] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the change in color during long-term storage, the glucose equivalent (DE) of component (C) is preferably 1 or more, more preferably 2 or more, further preferably 3 or more, and even more preferably 5 or more, and is preferably 25 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and even more preferably 15 or less. The range of DE is preferably 1 to 25, more preferably 2 to 20, further preferably 3 to 20, further more preferably 3 to 15, and further more preferably 5 to 15. In this specification, "glucose equivalent (DE)" is a value measured by the SOMOGYI method, and can be measured by the method described in the Examples disclosed below.

[0033] Among them, the high molecular weight sugar as component (C) is preferably maltodextrin. In the present specification, "maltodextrin" means glucose mainly linked by α-1,4 bonds (in the case of waxy starch degradation products, including some α-1,6 bonds), and its DE is usually 3 to 20, preferably 5 to 15.

[0034] The content of component (C) of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is preferably 41% by mass or more, more preferably 44% by mass or more, more preferably 47% by mass or more, and more preferably 50% by mass or more from the perspective of suppressing the change of hue during long-term storage. In addition, from the perspective of flavor, it is preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 85% by mass or less, more preferably 75% by mass or less, and more preferably 65% ​​by mass or less. As the range of the content of the component (C), it is preferably 41 to 95% by mass, more preferably 44 to 85% by mass, more preferably 47 to 75% by mass, and more preferably 50 to 65% by mass. In addition, the content of component (C) can be measured by an analytical method suitable for measuring the condition of the sample in a commonly known determination method. For example, it can be analyzed by liquid chromatography, and specifically, the method described in the following embodiment can be cited. In addition, it is also possible to apply treatment appropriately as needed during the determination, for example, in order to be suitable for the detection area of ​​the device, the sample can also be freeze-dried, or, in order to be suitable for the separation ability of the device, the inclusions in the sample can also be removed.

[0035] The powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention contains a high-purity component (A), and the mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is less than 0.2, but is preferably 0.15 or less, more preferably 0.1 or less, and even more preferably 0.05 or less from the viewpoint of flavor and ease of enjoying the effects of the present invention. The lower limit of the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] may be 0, but is preferably 0.1×10 -6 More preferably, 1×10 -6More preferably, 10×10 -6 The mass ratio [(B) / (A)] is preferably in the range of 0.1×10 -6 More preferably, it is less than 0.2×10 -6 More preferably, it is 0.15 or more and 1×10 -6 More preferably, it is 10×10 -6 Above and below 0.05.

[0036] The mass ratio [(C) / (A)] of the component (A) to the component (C) in the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is 1.2 or more, but from the viewpoint of suppressing the change in hue during long-term storage, it is preferably 1.3 or more, more preferably 1.4 or more, further preferably 1.5 or more, further preferably 1.7 or more, further preferably 2.0 or more, further preferably 2.5 or more, further more preferably 3.0 or more, further more preferably 5 or more, and from the viewpoint of the degree of freedom of formulation when a specific amount of non-polymer catechins is formulated, it is preferably 25 or less, more preferably 20 or less, further preferably 15 or less, further more preferably 10 or less. The range of the mass ratio [(C) / (A)] is preferably 1.2 to 25, more preferably 1.3 to 20, further preferably 1.4 to 15, further preferably 1.5 to 15, further preferably 1.7 to 15, further preferably 2.0 to 15, further preferably 2.5 to 15, further more preferably 3.0 to 10, further more preferably 5 to 10.

[0037] In the present specification, "powder" means a particulate form, and is a concept that includes not only powder but also granular form. The form of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is preferably a powder from the viewpoint of ease of handling and solubility.

[0038] The average particle size of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is preferably 1 μm or more, more preferably 10 μm or more, and further preferably 20 μm or more from the viewpoint of suppressing agglomeration (powder clumping) during dissolution. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of solubility, it is preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 800 μm or less, and further preferably 500 μm or less. The range of the average particle size is preferably 1 to 1000 μm, more preferably 10 to 800 μm, and further preferably 20 to 500 μm. In this specification, the "average particle size" is measured by a laser diffraction scattering method, and is the median diameter (d ) obtained by making the particle size distribution of the powdered green tea extract composition based on the number of particles. 50 ) is taken as the particle size obtained by taking the average particle size.

[0039] In addition, the volatile matter of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is 5.6% by mass or less, but from the viewpoint of suppressing the change of hue during long-term storage, it is preferably 5.0% by mass or less, more preferably 4.5% by mass or less, and further preferably 4.0% by mass or less. In addition, from the viewpoint of manufacturing cost and suppressing thermal degradation during manufacturing, it is preferably 1.8% by mass or more, more preferably 1.9% by mass or more, and further preferably 2.0% by mass or more. As the range of the volatile matter, it is preferably 1.8 to 5.6% by mass, more preferably 1.9 to 5.0% by mass, further preferably 1.9 to 4.5% by mass, and further preferably 2.0 to 4.0% by mass. In this specification, "volatile matter" refers to the content ratio of volatile matter when the sample is heated in an electric constant temperature dryer at 105°C for 15 minutes, and refers to the value calculated by the following formula (1) based on the mass of the sample before and after heating. Volatile matter is a concept including, for example, water and volatile substances other than water.

[0040] Volatile matter (mass %) = (P - Q) / P × 100 (1)

[0041] [Where P represents the mass of the sample before heating, and Q represents the mass of the sample after heating]

[0042] The powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention has a suppressed hue change during long-term storage. Specifically, the a of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition before storage (e.g., immediately after production). * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is * The powdered green tea extract composition (hereinafter referred to as "powdered green tea extract composition α") having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention and not containing component (C) shows a Δa smaller than * The value of. And, the change rate, i.e., the change rate calculated by the following formula (2) (hereinafter also referred to as "inhibition rate") is usually 5% or more, but from the viewpoint of inhibiting the change of hue during long-term storage, it is preferably 10% or more, more preferably 20% or more, further preferably 30% or more, further preferably 40% or more, still more preferably 50% or more, and still more preferably 60% or more. In addition, the inhibition rate may be 100%, but from the viewpoint of flavor, cost, and production efficiency, it is preferably less than 100%, and more preferably 99% or less.

[0043] Change rate (%) = (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0044] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as the L value of the green tea extract composition of the present invention immediately after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values

[0045] In addition, storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is generally equivalent to storage at 25°C±2°C / 60%RH±5% for 8 months. * The value is in L * a * b * The color system represents the coordinate value of hue and chroma when expressing color, and it is the coordinate value of chroma in the red direction. * a * b * In the color system, there is also a coordinate value b that represents the chromaticity in the yellow direction. * However, in the present invention, the most easily surfaced a when the powdered green tea extract composition produces a hue change * In addition, the hue change (Δa * ) is measured according to the "Measurement of Hue Change" described in the examples disclosed below.

[0046] From the viewpoints of flavor, cost, and production efficiency, the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is * The value of is preferably 0.1 or more, more preferably 0.11 or more, and further preferably 0.13 or more.

[0047] From the viewpoint of suppressing the change of hue during long-term storage, the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention is *The upper limit of is preferably set as follows according to the value of the mass ratio [(B) / (A)].

[0048] When the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] is 0.05 or less, it is preferably less than 4.0, more preferably 3.5 or less, further preferably 3.0 or less, and still more preferably 2.5 or less from the viewpoint of suppressing hue change during long-term storage.

[0049] When the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] exceeds 0.05 and is 0.15 or less, it is preferably 3.5 or less, more preferably 3.0 or less, further preferably 2.5 or less, and still more preferably 2.0 or less from the viewpoint of suppressing hue change during long-term storage.

[0050] Furthermore, when the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] exceeds 0.15, it is preferably 2.5 or less, more preferably 1.5 or less, and even more preferably 1.0 or less from the viewpoint of suppressing hue change during long-term storage.

[0051] [Method for producing powdered green tea extract composition]

[0052] The powdered green tea extract composition of the present invention can be produced by an appropriate method without particular limitation as long as it has the above-mentioned properties. For example, it can be produced by the following method: a green tea extract having a content of (A) non-polymer catechins of 40% by mass or more in the solid component (a) and a high molecular weight sugar (C) are mixed in the presence of an aqueous solvent so that the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] becomes 1.2 or more, and the mixed solution is dried.

[0053] The (a) green tea extract is an extract obtained by purifying a raw material green tea extract to remove impurities and adjusting the content of the (A) non-polymer catechins in the solid component to 40% by mass or more.

[0054] The raw material green tea extract can be usually obtained by extracting from green tea leaves. As green tea leaves, for example, tea leaves belonging to the Camellia genus can be cited, for example, tea leaves selected from small-leaf tea (C. sinensis. var. sinensis) (including Yabukita species), large-leaf tea (C. sinensis. var. assamica) and their hybrids (Chinese tea (Camellia sinensis)). Specifically, for example, sencha, deep steamed sencha, roasted tea, bancha, gyokuro, guancha, nicha, kamacha, stalk tea, stick tea, bud tea, etc. can be cited. In addition, the tea variety and picking time of the tea leaves are not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected.

[0055] As the extraction method, a known method such as kneader extraction, stirring extraction (batch extraction), countercurrent extraction (trickling extraction), column extraction, etc. can be used.

[0056] The extraction conditions can be appropriately selected according to the extraction method. For example, an aqueous solvent can be used as an extraction solvent. Among them, in this specification, "aqueous solvent" refers to a solvent containing water, and the content of water in the aqueous solvent is usually 1 to 100% by mass, preferably 30 to 100% by mass. As an aqueous solvent, for example, water, an organic solvent aqueous solution, carbonated water, etc. can be listed. As an organic solvent, for example, alcohol, ketone, ester, etc. can be listed. If it is considered to be used in food, alcohol is preferably used, and ethanol is more preferably used. Among them, as an aqueous solvent, water is preferably used. As water, for example, tap water, natural water, distilled water, ion exchange water, etc. can be listed. Among them, ion exchange water is preferably used in terms of taste.

[0057] The pH value (20° C.) of the aqueous solvent is usually 4 to 10, preferably 5 to 7. In order to adjust the pH value to a desired value, a pH adjuster may be added to the aqueous solvent.

[0058] The temperature of the aqueous solvent is usually 25 to 100°C, preferably 50 to 100°C, and more preferably 80 to 99°C.

[0059] The extraction ratio and extraction time vary depending on the extraction method and scale. For example, the extraction ratio is usually 1 to 50 times, and the extraction time is usually 5 to 60 minutes.

[0060] After extraction, the green tea leaves and the green tea extract can be separated by a known solid-liquid separation method such as filtration, centrifugation, membrane treatment, etc.

[0061] In addition, commercially available products may be used as the raw material green tea extract, for example, "Polyphenon" manufactured by Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd., "THA-FLAN" manufactured by Ito En Co., Ltd., "Sunphenon" manufactured by Taiyo Chemical Co., Ltd., etc. may be mentioned.

[0062] The purification method is not particularly limited as long as the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the solid component is 40% by mass or more. From the viewpoint of flavor and the viewpoint of easiness in enjoying the effects of the present invention, any one of the following methods (i) to (iii) or a combination of two or more methods can be mentioned.

[0063] (i) A method in which a raw material green tea extract is suspended in water or an aqueous organic solvent solution (eg, an aqueous ethanol solution) and the resulting precipitate is removed.

[0064] (ii) A method of contacting a raw material green tea extract with at least one adsorbent selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, acid clay and activated clay.

[0065] (iii) A method in which a raw green tea extract is contacted with a synthetic adsorbent or an ion exchange resin.

[0066] Regarding the method of (i) above, for example, reference may be made to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-147508, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-149416, etc. Moreover, regarding the method of (ii) above, for example, reference may be made to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-222719, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-270094, etc. Furthermore, regarding the method of (iii) above, for example, reference may be made to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-222592, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-8580, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-160656, etc.

[0067] In addition, in the above-mentioned methods (i) to (iii), a raw material treated with tannase may be used as the raw material green tea extract. In addition, the green tea extract may be treated with tannase after being treated with any one or more of the methods (i) to (iii). "Tannase treatment" refers to contacting the green tea extract with an enzyme having tannase activity. In addition, the specific operation method in the tannase treatment may be a known method, for example, the method described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-321105.

[0068] From the viewpoint of flavor and the viewpoint of being easy to enjoy the effects of the present invention, the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the solid component of the (a) green tea extract obtained in this manner is preferably 45% by mass or more, more preferably 50% by mass or more, further preferably 55% by mass or more, and still more preferably 60% by mass or more. In addition, the upper limit of the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the solid component may also be 100% by mass, but from the viewpoint of production efficiency, it is preferably 95% by mass or less, more preferably 90% by mass or less, and further preferably 85% by mass or less. Among them, in this specification, "solid component" refers to the remaining portion after the sample is dried in an electric constant temperature dryer at 105°C for 3 hours and the volatile matter is removed.

[0069] In addition, (a) green tea extract can also be directly concentrated or dried for use. As a concentration method, for example, a normal pressure concentration method in which the solvent is evaporated under normal pressure, a reduced pressure concentration method in which the solvent is evaporated under reduced pressure, a membrane concentration method in which the solvent is removed by membrane separation, etc. can be cited. In addition, as a drying method, for example, a known method such as spray drying, drum drying, freeze drying, etc. can be used.

[0070] The mass ratio [(B) / (A)] of (A) non-polymer catechins to (B) quinic acid in (a) green tea extract is usually less than 0.2, but is preferably 0.15 or less, more preferably 0.1 or less, and even more preferably 0.05 or less from the viewpoint of flavor and ease of enjoying the effects of the present invention. The lower limit of the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] may be 0, but is preferably 0.1×10 -6 More preferably, 1×10 -6 More preferably, 10×10 -6 The mass ratio [(B) / (A)] is preferably in the range of 0.1×10 -6 More preferably, it is less than 0.2, and more preferably 1×10 -6 More preferably, it is 0.15 or more and 10×10 -6 In addition, in the present invention, in order to set the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] of the powdered green tea extract composition to be within the above range, in addition to (a) the green tea extract, a plant extract other than (a) the green tea extract may be formulated.

[0071] Next, (a) the green tea extract and (C) the high molecular weight sugar are mixed at a specific ratio in the presence of an aqueous solvent to prepare a mixed solution. Specific aspects of the (C) high molecular weight sugar are as described above.

[0072] The order of mixing (a) green tea extract, (C) high molecular weight sugar and aqueous solvent is not particularly limited, and the three can be added in any order or simultaneously, as long as the aqueous solvent, (a) green tea extract and (C) high molecular weight sugar coexist in the mixed solution before drying.

[0073] (a) Green tea extract and (C) high molecular weight sugar are mixed so that the mass ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (C) high molecular weight sugar [(C) / (A)] is 1.2 or more. From the viewpoint of suppressing hue change during long-term storage, the mass ratio [(C) / (A)] is preferably 1.3 or more, more preferably 1.4 or more, further preferably 1.5 or more, further preferably 1.7 or more, further preferably 2.0 or more, further preferably 2.5 or more, still more preferably 3.0 or more, still more preferably 5 or more. From the viewpoint of the degree of freedom of formulation when a specific amount of non-polymer catechins is formulated, the mass ratio is preferably 25 or less, more preferably 20 or less, further preferably 15 or less, and still more preferably 10 or less. The range of the mass ratio [(C) / (A)] is preferably 1.2 to 25, more preferably 1.3 to 20, further preferably 1.4 to 15, further preferably 1.7 to 15, further preferably 2.0 to 15, further preferably 2.5 to 15, further more preferably 3.0 to 10, further more preferably 5 to 10.

[0074] As the aqueous solvent, for example, water, organic solvent aqueous solution etc. can be listed. As specific examples of water and organic solvent, the same examples as above can be listed. In addition, the organic solvent aqueous solution can be used as long as it contains more than 1% by mass, preferably more than 30% by mass of water in the organic solvent aqueous solution. Among them, as the aqueous solvent, from the viewpoint of suppressing the change of hue and phase during long-term storage, water is preferably used, and ion exchange water is more preferably used.

[0075] Regarding the amount of the aqueous solvent used, from the viewpoint of suppressing the change of hue during long-term storage, it is preferably adjusted so that the mixed solution contains 1% by mass or more of the (A) non-polymer catechins, more preferably 2.5% by mass or more, more preferably 5% by mass or more, more preferably 7% by mass or more, and even more preferably 10% by mass or more, and, from the same viewpoint, it is preferably adjusted so that it contains 30% by mass or less, more preferably 25% by mass or less, more preferably 20% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or less. The range of the content of the (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution is preferably 1 to 30% by mass, more preferably 2.5 to 25% by mass, more preferably 5 to 20% by mass, even more preferably 7 to 20% by mass, and even more preferably 10 to 15% by mass.

[0076] In the case where neither (a) green tea extract nor (C) high molecular sugar contains a solvent, when mixing an aqueous solvent, (a) green tea extract, and (C) high molecular sugar, the amount of the aqueous solvent used can be adjusted in such a manner that the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution is within the above range. In addition, a specific amount of an aqueous solvent, (a) green tea extract, and (C) high molecular sugar can be mixed, and additional aqueous solvent can be added to adjust the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution to within the above range. On the other hand, in the case where one or more of (a) green tea extract and (C) high molecular sugar contains a solvent, the amount of the aqueous solvent used can be adjusted in such a manner that the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution is within the above range in consideration of the amount of the solvent. In addition, when the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution satisfies the above-mentioned necessary conditions by the amount of solvent contained in any one or more of (a) green tea extract and (C) high molecular sugar, as long as the solvent contains water, (a) green tea extract and (C) high molecular sugar can be directly mixed. In addition, when the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution satisfies the above-mentioned necessary conditions by the amount of solvent contained in any one or more of (a) green tea extract and (C) high molecular sugar, and the solvent does not contain water, the solvent can be concentrated or removed, and then an aqueous solvent can be added to adjust the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution to be within the above-mentioned range.

[0077] As a mixing method, for example, a suitable method such as stirring and shaking can be adopted, and for example, a mixing device can also be used. The mixing mode of the mixing device can be a rotating container type or a fixed container type. As a rotating container type, for example, a horizontal cylindrical type, a V-type, a biconical type, a cubic type, etc. can be adopted. In addition, as a fixed container type, for example, a belt type, a spiral type, a conical spiral type, a paddle type, a fluidized bed type, a Philips mixer, etc. can be adopted.

[0078] The mixing temperature is preferably 15° C. or higher, more preferably 18° C. or higher, and even more preferably 20° C. or higher from the viewpoint of suppressing the change in color during long-term storage, and is preferably 40° C. or lower, more preferably 35° C. or lower, and even more preferably 30° C. or lower from the viewpoint of flavor. The mixing temperature range is preferably 15 to 40° C., more preferably 18 to 35° C., and even more preferably 20 to 30° C.

[0079] The mixing time is preferably 3 minutes or more, more preferably 5 minutes or more, and more preferably 6 minutes or more from the viewpoint of suppressing the change of hue during long-term storage, and preferably 90 minutes or less, more preferably 60 minutes or less, and more preferably 30 minutes or less from the viewpoint of production efficiency. As the range of the mixing time, it is preferably 3 to 90 minutes, more preferably 5 to 60 minutes, and more preferably 6 to 30 minutes.

[0080] Then, the mixed liquid is dried.

[0081] As a drying method, a known method can be adopted, for example, spray drying, drum drying, freeze drying, etc. Drying can be performed so that the volatile matter of the powdered green tea extract composition is within the above range.

[0082] In addition, granules can also be made by a known granulation method. As the granulation method, for example, spray granulation, fluidized bed granulation, compression granulation, tumbling granulation, stirring granulation, extrusion granulation, powder coating granulation, etc. can be listed. In addition, the granulation conditions can be appropriately selected according to the granulation method.

[0083] With respect to the above-mentioned embodiments, preferred aspects of the present invention will be further disclosed below.

[0084] <1> A powdered green tea extract composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0085] (A) Non-polymer catechins,

[0086] (B) Quinic acid,

[0087] (C) high molecular weight sugars, and

[0088] Volatile content: 0.9-5.0% by mass

[0089] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is less than 0.2,

[0090] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.2 or more,

[0091] The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa *), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and,

[0092] The change rate calculated by the following formula (2) is 5% or more.

[0093] (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0094] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.]

[0095] <2> A powdered green tea extract composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0096] (A) Non-polymer catechins,

[0097] (B) Quinic acid,

[0098] (C) high molecular weight sugars, and

[0099] The volatile matter is 5.6% by mass or less,

[0100] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is 1×10 -6 ~0.1,

[0101] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.2 or more,

[0102] The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and,

[0103] The change rate calculated by the following formula (2) is 5% or more.

[0104] (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0105] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.]

[0106] <3> A powdered green tea extract composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0107] (A) Non-polymer catechins,

[0108] (B) Quinic acid,

[0109] (C) high molecular weight sugars, and

[0110] The volatile matter is 5.6% by mass or less,

[0111] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is less than 0.2,

[0112] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.7 to 15,

[0113] The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and,

[0114] The change rate calculated by the following formula (2) is 5% or more.

[0115] (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0116] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system *The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.]

[0117] <4> A powdered green tea extract composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0118] (A) Non-polymer catechins,

[0119] (B) Quinic acid,

[0120] (C) high molecular weight sugars, and

[0121] The volatile matter is 5.6% by mass or less,

[0122] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is less than 0.2,

[0123] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.2 or more,

[0124] The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and,

[0125] The change rate calculated by the following formula (2) is 40 to 99%.

[0126] (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0127] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system* The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.]

[0128] <5> A powdered green tea extract composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0129] (A) Non-polymer catechins,

[0130] (B) Quinic acid,

[0131] (C) high molecular weight sugars, and

[0132] Volatile content: 1.9-5.0% by mass

[0133] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is 1×10 -6 ~0.1,

[0134] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.2 or more,

[0135] The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and,

[0136] The change rate calculated by the following formula (2) is 5% or more.

[0137] (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0138] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.]

[0139] <6> A powdered green tea extract composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0140] (A) Non-polymer catechins,

[0141] (B) Quinic acid,

[0142] (C) high molecular weight sugars, and

[0143] The volatile matter is 5.6% by mass or less,

[0144] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is less than 0.2,

[0145] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.7 to 15,

[0146] The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. *a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and,

[0147] The change rate calculated by the following formula (2) is 40 to 99%.

[0148] (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0149] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.]

[0150] <7> A powdered green tea extract composition comprising the following components (A), (B) and (C):

[0151] (A) Non-polymer catechins,

[0152] (B) Quinic acid,

[0153] (C) high molecular weight sugars, and

[0154] Volatile content: 1.9-5.0% by mass

[0155] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is 1×10-6 ~0.1,

[0156] The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.7 to 15,

[0157] The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values ​​(Δa * ), the Δa of the powdered green tea extract composition * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and,

[0158] The change rate calculated by the following formula (2) is 40 to 99%.

[0159] (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100(2)

[0160] [Where Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.]

[0161] <8> The powdered green tea extract composition as described in any one of <1> to <7> above, wherein the content of component (A) is 2 to 45% by mass, the content of component (B) is 0.00001 to 3% by mass, and the content of component (C) is 41 to 95% by mass.

[0162] <9> The powdered green tea extract composition as described in any one of <1> to <7> above, wherein the content of component (A) is 3 to 42% by mass, the content of component (B) is 0.00001 to 2% by mass, and the content of component (C) is 44 to 85% by mass.

[0163] <10> The powdered green tea extract composition as described in any one of <1> to <7> above, wherein the content of component (A) is 4 to 38% by mass, the content of component (B) is 0.00001 to 1% by mass, and the content of component (C) is 47 to 75% by mass.

[0164] <11> A method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition, comprising the steps of: mixing (a) a green tea extract having a solid component containing (A) non-polymer catechins in an amount of 40 to 99% by weight and (C) a high molecular weight sugar in the presence of an aqueous solvent so that the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.7 to 15, and then drying the mixed solution.

[0165] <12> A method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition, comprising the steps of: mixing (a) a green tea extract having a solid content of (A) non-polymer catechins of 40 to 95% by weight and (C) a high molecular weight sugar in the presence of an aqueous solvent so that the mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.7 to 15, and then drying the mixed solution.

[0166] <13> The method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition according to <11> or <12>, wherein the aqueous solvent is water or an aqueous organic solvent solution.

[0167] <14> The method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition according to <11> or <12>, wherein the amount of the aqueous solvent used is such that the component (A) in the mixed solution is 1 to 30% by mass.

[0168] <15> The method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition according to <11> or <12> above, wherein the mixing time is 3 to 90 minutes.

[0169] Example

[0170] 1. Analysis of non-polymer catechins

[0171] A high performance liquid chromatograph (model SCL-10AVP) manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation was used and equipped with an octadecyl-introduced liquid chromatograph packed column (L-column TM ODS, φ4.6 mm×250 mm: manufactured by the Chemical Evaluation Institute Foundation), and the sample diluted with pure water was measured by the gradient method at a column temperature of 35°C. The mobile phase A liquid was set as a distilled water solution containing 0.1 mol / L acetic acid, and the mobile phase B liquid was set as an acetonitrile solution containing 0.1 mol / L acetic acid. The measurement was performed at a flow rate of 1 mL / min, a sample injection volume of 10 μL, and a UV detector wavelength of 280 nm. The gradient conditions are as follows.

[0172] Concentration gradient conditions (volume %)

[0173]

[0174] 2. Analysis of Quinic Acid

[0175] After mixing a sample with 5% perchloric acid, the volume was fixed with ion-exchanged water, and then appropriately diluted and filtered, and then analyzed with a high performance liquid chromatography.

[0176] (Analytical Machine)

[0177] Model: LC-20AD (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation)

[0178] Detector: UV-visible absorption photometer SPD-20AV (manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation)

[0179] Column: Gelpack GL-C610H-S×2φ7.8mm×300mm (manufactured by Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd.)

[0180] Column temperature: 40℃

[0181] Mobile phase: 3mmol / L perchloric acid

[0182] Reaction solution: 15 mmol / L sodium dihydrogen phosphate solution containing 0.2 mmol / L bromothymol blue

[0183] Flow rate: mobile phase 0.5mL / min, reaction solution 0.6mL / min

[0184] ·Measurement wavelength: 445nm

[0185] 3. Analysis of high molecular weight sugars

[0186] (1) Quantitative method

[0187] The sample was diluted with pure water and then passed through 0.5 g of a silica-based filler (BONDELUTE C18, manufactured by Varian), 0.5 g of a strongly basic anion exchange resin (SAX, manufactured by Varian), and 0.5 g of a strongly acidic cation exchange resin (SCX, manufactured by Varian) in this order to prepare a sample.

[0188] The analysis was performed using a high performance liquid chromatograph (D-2000, manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd.) under the following conditions.

[0189] A strong anion exchange column (TSKgel Suger Axi, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) was installed in a high performance chromatograph, and the measurement was performed by a post-column reaction method at a column temperature of 70°C. The mobile phase liquid was set to a distilled water solution containing 0.5 mol / L boric acid, the flow rate was set to 0.4 mL / min, and the sample injection volume was set to 10 μL. In addition, the post-column reaction reagent was set to a distilled water solution containing 1% arginine and 3% boric acid, and the reaction was performed at 150°C. The detector used a fluorescence detector, and the measurement was performed under the conditions of an excitation wavelength of 320 nm and a fluorescence detection wavelength of 430 nm.

[0190] (2) Glucose equivalent

[0191] Accurately weigh 2.5g sample and dissolve it in water to make 200mL. Accurately weigh 10mL of the liquid, add 10mL of 0.04mol / L iodine solution and 15mL of 0.04mol / L sodium hydroxide solution, and place in a dark place for 20 minutes. Then, add 5mL of 2mol / L hydrochloric acid and mix, and titrate with 0.04mol / L sodium thiosulfate solution. If the liquid becomes slightly yellow when approaching the titration end point, add 2 drops of starch indicator to continue titration, and the time point when the liquid color disappears is set as the titration end point. In addition, perform a blank test. Calculate the glucose equivalent (DE) by the following formula.

[0192] DE=(p-q)×f×3.602 / (1 / 1000) / (200 / 10) / {r×(100-s)×100}×100

[0193] [Wherein, p represents the titration value (mL), q represents the blank value (mL), f represents the factor value of the sodium thiosulfate solution, r represents the weighed amount of the sample (mg), and s represents the moisture value of the sample (%).]

[0194] 4. Evaluation of hue change

[0195] Using a spectrophotometer (Color Meter ZE-2000, manufactured by Nippon Denshoku Industries Co., Ltd.), a powder sample was placed in a φ30 circular groove and the reflection L was measured.* a * b * a color system * The value of a powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was calculated. * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition just after manufacture. * The absolute value of the difference in values ​​Δa * .

[0196] Production Example 1

[0197] Production of green tea extract (I)

[0198] 30 g of dried green tea leaves were extracted with 300 mL of hot water at 90° C. for 30 minutes and then filtered. The obtained green tea extract was dried by spray drying to obtain a powdered green tea extract (I). In the green tea extract (I), the content of (A) non-polymer catechins was 38.3% by mass, and the mass ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (B) quinic acid [(B) / (A)] was 0.2.

[0199] Production Example 2

[0200] Production of green tea extract (II)

[0201] 200 g of powdered green tea extract (I) was added to 500 g of 53.6% by mass ethanol aqueous solution, followed by 69 g of acid clay (MIZUKA ACE #600, manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 22 g of a filter aid (Solka-Floc, manufactured by Kurita Industries). Thereafter, the mixture was stirred at 40°C for 1 hour. Subsequently, 300 g of 92.2% by mass ethanol aqueous solution was added, and the mixture was stirred at 40°C for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the mixture was filtered using No. 2 filter paper on which a pre-coating agent was deposited. Subsequently, the filtrate was passed through a column filled with 28 g of activated carbon (SG-K, manufactured by FUTAMURA CHEMICAL), and the recovered liquid was subjected to top distillation to distill off the ethanol, thereby obtaining green tea extract (II). In the green tea extract (II), the content of (A) non-polymer catechins was 21.9 mass % (42.7 mass % in the solid content), and the mass ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (B) quinic acid [(B) / (A)] was 0.16.

[0202] Production Example 3

[0203] Production of green tea extract (III)

[0204] 200 g of powdered green tea extract (I) was added to 800 g of 92.2% by mass ethanol aqueous solution, followed by addition of 100 g of acid clay (MIZUKA ACE #600, manufactured by Mizusawa Chemical Co., Ltd.) and 12.6 g of a filter aid (Solka-Floc, manufactured by Kurita Industry Co., Ltd.). Thereafter, the mixture was stirred at 25°C for 6 hours. Subsequently, the mixture was filtered using No. 2 filter paper on which a pre-coating agent was deposited. Subsequently, water was added to the filtrate so that the ethanol concentration became 60% by mass, and the mixture was centrifuged to recover the supernatant. Subsequently, the supernatant was passed through a column filled with 24 g of activated carbon (SG-K, manufactured by FUTAMURA CHEMICAL), and the recovered liquid was subjected to top distillation to remove the ethanol, thereby obtaining green tea extract (III). In the green tea extract (III), the content of (A) non-polymer catechins was 14.3% by mass (62.5% by mass in the solid content), and the mass ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (B) quinic acid [(B) / (A)] was 0.02.

[0205] Examples 1 to 7

[0206] After adding 200 g of green tea extract (III) and 60 g of high molecular weight sugar at a ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (C) high molecular weight sugar [(C) / (A)] of 2.1, the mixture was stirred at 25°C for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the mixed solution was dried by spray drying so that the volatile matter became the ratio shown in Table 1, thereby obtaining a powdered green tea extract composition. Using 2 g of the obtained powdered green tea extract composition, the hue change was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0207] Reference Example 1

[0208] The hue change was evaluated using 2 g of powdered green tea extract (I). * The molecular weight was 0.3, and the volatile matter was 2.0% by mass.

[0209] Comparative Example 1

[0210] The green tea extract (II) was dried by spray drying so that the volatile matter had the ratio shown in Table 1 to obtain a powdered green tea extract composition. 2 g of the obtained powdered green tea extract composition was used to evaluate the hue change. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0211] Comparative Example 2

[0212] The green tea extract (III) was dried by spray drying so that the volatile matter became the ratio shown in Table 1, thereby obtaining a powdered green tea extract composition. Using 2 g of the obtained powdered green tea extract composition, the hue change was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 1. * The value of Δa in the same Example and Comparative Example is as follows: * The inhibition rate is the benchmark.

[0213]

[0214] Examples 8 to 16 and Comparative Example 3

[0215] Green tea extract (III) and high molecular sugar were added to distilled water in such a manner that the mass ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (C) high molecular sugar [(C) / (A)] became the ratio shown in Table 2, and water was added in such a manner that the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution became the ratio shown in Table 2, and the mixture was stirred at 25°C for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the mixed solution was dried by spray drying in such a manner that the volatile matter became the ratio shown in Table 2, and a powdered green tea extract composition was obtained. Using 2 g of the obtained powdered green tea extract composition, the hue change was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0216]

[0217] Examples 17 to 20

[0218] Green tea extract (III) and high molecular sugar were added to distilled water so that the mass ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (C) high molecular sugar [(C) / (A)] was 2.1, and water was added so that the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution was 8.9 mass%, and stirred at 25°C for the time shown in Table 3. Thereafter, the mixed solution was dried by spray drying so that the volatile matter was dried in the ratio shown in Table 3 to obtain a powdered green tea extract composition. Using 2 g of the obtained powdered green tea extract composition, the hue change was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0219] [Table 3]

[0220]

[0221] 2) Tea extract obtained in Preparation Example 3

[0222] 3) Sandec #100, manufactured by Sanwa Starch Industry Co., Ltd., DE = 10 to 13 (SOMOGYI method)

[0223] Examples 21 to 24

[0224] Green tea extract (III) and high molecular sugar were added to distilled water so that the mass ratio of (A) non-polymer catechins to (C) high molecular sugar [(C) / (A)] was 2.1, and water was added so that the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the mixed solution became the ratio shown in Table 4, and the mixture was stirred at 25°C for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the mixed solution was dried by spray drying so that the volatile matter became the ratio shown in Table 4 to obtain a powdered green tea extract composition. Using 2 g of the obtained powdered green tea extract composition, the hue change was evaluated. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0225] [Table 4]

[0226]

[0227] 2) Tea extract obtained in Preparation Example 3

[0228] 3) Sandec #100, manufactured by Sanwa Starch Industry Co., Ltd., DE = 10 to 13 (SOMOGYI method)

[0229] Comparative Examples 4 to 6

[0230] Green tea extract (II) and green tea extract (III) were mixed at the ratio shown in Table 5 to obtain green tea extract mixtures having mass ratios [(B) / (A)] of 0.05, 0.08, and 0.11, respectively. The obtained green tea extract mixture was powdered by spray drying to obtain a powdered green tea extract dry product. The obtained green tea extract dry product was evaluated for color tone change. The results are shown in Table 5 together with the results of Comparative Example 2.

[0231] Embodiments 25 to 28

[0232] 200 g of the green tea extract mixture obtained in Comparative Examples 2, 4 to 6 and 60 g of high molecular weight sugar were added to 106.7 g of distilled water and stirred at 25°C for 30 minutes. Thereafter, the mixed solution was dried by spray drying to obtain a powdered green tea extract composition. The obtained green tea extract composition was evaluated for color tone change. The results are shown in Table 5.

[0233] [Table 5]

[0234]

[0235] 1) Tea extract obtained in Preparation Example 2

[0236] 2) Tea extract obtained in Preparation Example 3

[0237] 3) Sandec #100, manufactured by Sanwa Starch Industry Co., Ltd., DE = 10 to 13 (SOMOGYI method)

[0238] As can be seen from Reference Example 1, Comparative Examples 1 and 2 in Table 1, and Examples 25 to 28, the mass ratio [(B) / (A)] decreases with purification of the green tea extract composition, which causes a problem of hue change during long-term storage. In contrast, as can be seen from Examples in Tables 1 to 5, a powdered green tea extract composition in which hue change during long-term storage is suppressed can be obtained by containing (C) a high molecular weight sugar at a specific amount ratio relative to (A) a non-polymer catechin.

Claims

1. A powdered green tea extract composition, characterized in that: Contains the following ingredients (A), (B) and (C): (A) Non-polymer catechins, (B) Quinic acid, (C) high molecular weight sugars, and Volatile content: 1.9-5.0% by mass The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is 0.15 or less, The mass ratio of component (A) to component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.5 or more, The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after storage at 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks was determined. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values ​​Δa * When the powdered green tea extract composition has a Δa1 * The value of is lower than Δa of a powdered green tea extract composition α having the same mass ratio [(B) / (A)] as the powdered green tea extract composition and not containing component (C) * ,and, The change rate calculated by the following formula is 30% or more, (Δa * -Δa1 * ) / Δa * ×100 In the formula, Δa1 * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown in FIG. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is similar to the L value of the powdered green tea extract composition just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference between the values, Δa * The L of the powdered green tea extract composition α after being stored in an atmosphere of 37°C / 50%RH for 6 weeks is shown. * a * b * a in the color system * The value is the same as that of the powdered green tea extract composition α just after production. * a * b * a in the color system * The absolute value of the difference in values.

2. The powdered green tea extract composition according to claim 1, characterized in that Component (C) is a high molecular weight sugar derived from starch.

3. The powdered green tea extract composition according to claim 1, characterized in that The glucose equivalent of component (C) is 1-25.

4. The powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Ingredient (C) is maltodextrin.

5. The powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The average particle size is 1 to 1000 μm.

6. The powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The volatile matter is 2.0 to 4.9 mass %.

7. The powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The mass ratio of component (A) to component (B) [(B) / (A)] is 1×10 -6 ~0.

1.

8. The powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.7 to 15.

9. The powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The change rate calculated by the above formula (2) is 40 to 99%.

10. A method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition, characterized in that: The process includes the following steps: A green tea extract (a) in which the content of (A) non-polymer catechins in the solid component is 40% by mass or more and the mass ratio of (B) quinic acid to the component (A) in the solid component [(B) / (A)] is 0.15 or less is mixed with (C) a high molecular weight sugar in the presence of an aqueous solvent so that the mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is 1.5 or more, and the mixed solution is dried until the volatile matter is 1.9 to 5.0% by mass.

11. The method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition according to claim 10, wherein: The amount of the aqueous solvent used is such that the component (A) is 1 to 30% by mass in the mixed solution.

12. The method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition according to claim 10, wherein: The mixing time is more than 3 minutes.

13. The method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The mass ratio of the component (A) to the component (C) [(C) / (A)] is set to be 1.7 to 15.

14. The method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The aqueous solvent is water or an aqueous solution of an organic solvent.

15. The method for producing a powdered green tea extract composition according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The mixing time is 3 to 90 minutes.

Images