Solid composition having a floral fragrance

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solid composition that brings about a floral scent as a result of being added to a medium such as water.　Said solid composition contains linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, and the weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content with respect to the total content of linalool and geraniol is controlled to 0.015 to 0.215.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to solid compositions, and more particularly to solid compositions that provide a floral scent. [Background technology]

[0002] Tea beverages obtained by processing tea leaves are widely consumed not only in Japan but also around the world. Tea beverages are sold as packaged beverages that are sterilized and filled into containers such as plastic bottles or cans, or as powdered beverages that are dried and powdered and sold as beverages that are dissolved in water or hot water for consumption. Powdered teas that are consumed with water or hot water can be broadly divided into two types: one is instant tea, which is obtained by drying tea leaf extract, and the other is powdered tea, which is obtained by grinding tea leaves as they are.

[0003] Previously, technologies aimed at improving the flavor of instant tea have been disclosed, including instant tea obtained by performing multiple extraction procedures from the same tea leaf material in the production of tea leaf extract (Patent Document 1) and instant tea in which the caffeine content is reduced by purifying green tea extract using a mixed solution containing a specific ratio of ethanol and water (Patent Document 2). Another example is instant tea that uses monosaccharides or disaccharides such as glucose or maltose to prevent flavor deterioration over time (Patent Document 3). Regarding powdered tea, for example, powdered tea obtained by dispersing ground tea leaves in a plant extract and then spray-drying the dispersion (Patent Document 4) and powdered tea mainly composed of ground tea leaves obtained by grinding and atomizing in an aqueous solution (Patent Document 5) have been disclosed, with the aim of improving dispersibility and solubility in water. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-226111 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-72188 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-153739 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-233559 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-289115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Among tea beverages, so-called high-quality green tea has a characteristic floral aroma. Although various types of solid tea compositions have been developed and sold, no solid tea composition that specifically imparts an excellent floral aroma is known. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a solid composition that imparts a floral aroma when added to a medium such as water. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors have conducted extensive research and found that, while linalool and geraniol were previously thought to have the greatest influence on the floral aroma of tea, the combination of these with 2-methylbutanal produces an excellent floral aroma more reminiscent of high-quality tea leaves. Furthermore, the present inventors have found that an even more excellent floral aroma can be exhibited by adjusting the ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol to fall within a specific range. Based on these findings, the present inventors have completed the present invention.

[0007] The present invention relates to, but is not limited to, the following: (1) A solid composition containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, wherein the weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol is 0.015 to 0.215. (2) The composition according to (1), which is a powder composition. (3) A composition according to (1) or (2), containing two or more types of dextrin. (4) The composition according to (3), which contains linear dextrin and cyclic dextrin. (5) The composition according to any one of (1) to (4), further comprising one or more fragrance components selected from the group consisting of α-ionone, β-cyclocitral, (z)-3-hexenol, 1-penten-3-ol, nerolidol, hexanal, (E)-linalool oxide, β-myrcene, trans-β-ocimene, L-α-terpineol, methyl salicylate, benzyl alcohol, and indole. (6) The composition according to any one of (1) to (5), which contains a tea leaf extract. (7) The composition according to any one of (1) to (6), wherein the tea leaf extract is an extract of sencha tea leaves. (8) A food or drink containing the composition according to any one of (1) to (7). (9) The food or beverage according to (8), which is a beverage. (10) The food or beverage according to (9), which is a tea beverage. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, a solid composition that imparts a floral aroma when added to a medium such as water can be provided. The solid composition of the present invention can be used to prepare a tea beverage using water or hot water, and can impart a floral aroma reminiscent of high-quality tea when the tea beverage is consumed. The solid composition of the present invention is extremely lightweight compared to tea beverages, making it extremely convenient to transport.

[0009] The solid composition of the present invention can also be used as a food ingredient. The number and variety of foods having a tea flavor have been increasing in recent years. The solid composition of the present invention can be used to impart an excellent floral aroma to confectioneries such as cakes, castella cakes, candies, cookies, jellies, puddings, and chocolates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The solid composition of the present invention will be described below. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "ppm," "ppb," and "wt %" used in this specification refer to ppm, ppb, and wt % of weight / weight (w / w), respectively.

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a solid composition containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, wherein the weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol is 0.015 to 0.215. By adopting this configuration, the solid composition exhibits an excellent floral fragrance. Here, in this specification, "floral fragrance" refers to a fragrance that combines a refreshing lily-of-the-valley fragrance with a sweet rose-like scent.

[0012] (tea leaf extract) The solid composition of the present invention can contain tea leaf extract. Here, "tea leaf extract" as used herein refers to components extracted from tea leaves. In the present invention, tea leaves obtained from plants of the genus Camellia in the family Theaceae (e.g., Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze) can be used. The tea leaves used in the present invention can be classified into non-fermented tea, semi-fermented tea, and fermented tea depending on the processing method. Examples of non-fermented tea include green teas such as crude tea, sencha, gyokuro, kabusecha, tencha, bancha, roasted tea, kamairicha, kukicha, bocha, and budcha. Examples of semi-fermented tea include oolong teas such as Tieguanyin, Irodane, Ogongui, and Wuyiyancha. Examples of fermented tea include black teas such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Sri Lanka. In the present invention, a single type of tea leaf may be used alone, or multiple types of tea leaves may be blended. The tea leaves are not particularly limited as long as they are parts from which aromatic components can be extracted, and leaves, stems, etc. can be used as appropriate, and the form is not limited to large leaves, powder, etc. In the present invention, although there are no particular limitations, an extract of green tea leaves is preferably used, and an extract of sencha tea leaves is more preferably used.

[0013] The content of tea leaf extract in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 30 to 90% by weight, preferably 35 to 80% by weight, and more preferably 40 to 70% by weight. When the content of tea leaf extract is within the above range, the aroma and flavor derived from the tea leaves can be fully perceived.

[0014] (linalool, geraniol and 2-methylbutanal) The solid composition of the present invention contains linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal. Linalool has the molecular formula C 10 H 18 Geraniol is a monoterpene alcohol represented by the formula C. It is known to have a scent similar to lily of the valley, lavender, and bergamot. 10 H 17 2-Methylbutanal is a type of linear monoterpenoid represented by the OH group, and is known to be contained in essential oils such as rose oil, palmarosa oil, and citronella oil, and to have a rose-like scent. 2-Methylbutanal has the molecular formula CH 10 It is a type of acyclic aliphatic aldehyde represented by O, and is naturally found in fruits, etc., as well as in roasted or cooked peanuts, etc., and is known to have a burnt odor.

[0015] In the solid composition of the present invention, the weight ratio of the content of 2-methylbutanal to the total content of linalool and geraniol (2-methylbutanal / (linalool and geraniol)) is 0.015 to 0.215. The presence of 2-methylbutanal in combination with linalool and geraniol at this weight ratio results in a particularly excellent floral fragrance.

[0016] The weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol in the solid composition of the present invention is preferably 0.02 or more, 0.025 or more, 0.03 or more, 0.035 or more, 0.04 or more, 0.045 or more, or 0.05 or more. Also, the weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol in the solid composition of the present invention is preferably 0.21 or less, 0.20 or less, 0.19 or less, 0.18 or less, 0.17 or less, 0.16 or less, 0.15 or less, 0.14 or less, or 0.13 or less. Typically, the weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol in the solid composition of the present invention is preferably 0.025 to 0.2, more preferably 0.03 to 0.19, and even more preferably 0.045 to 0.14.

[0017] The content of linalool in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, for example, 0.001 ppm or more, preferably 0.002 ppm or more, 0.005 ppm or more, 0.01 ppm or more, 0.02 ppm or more, 0.05 ppm or more, 0.1 ppm or more, 1 ppm or more, or 10 ppm or more.By the content of linalool being within the above range, it will exhibit an excellent floral fragrance.The upper limit of the content of linalool in the solid composition is not particularly limited.The content is, for example, 10000 ppm or less, preferably 5000 ppm or less, 4000 ppm or less, 3000 ppm or less, 2000 ppm or less, 1000 ppm or less, 500 ppm or less, 200 ppm or less, or 100 ppm or less. The content of linalool in the solid composition of the present invention is typically 0.001 to 10,000 ppm, preferably 0.1 to 5,000 ppm, more preferably 1 to 2,000 ppm, and even more preferably 10 ppm to 1,000 ppm.

[0018] The content of geraniol in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.01 ppm or more, preferably 0.02 ppm or more, 0.05 ppm or more, 0.1 ppm or more, 0.2 ppm or more, 0.5 ppm or more, or 1 ppm or more. By having the geraniol content within the above range, the solid composition of the present invention exhibits a more excellent floral fragrance. The upper limit of the geraniol content in the solid composition is not particularly limited. The content may be, for example, 10,000 ppm or less, preferably 5,000 ppm or less, 2,000 ppm or less, 1,000 ppm or less, 500 ppm or less, 200 ppm or less, 100 ppm or less, or 50 ppm or less. The content of geraniol in the solid composition of the present invention is typically 0.01 to 10,000 ppm, preferably 0.1 to 2,000 ppm, more preferably 0.5 to 1,000 ppm, and even more preferably 1 to 500 ppm.

[0019] The content ratio of linalool to geraniol in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited. The content ratio of linalool to geraniol (linalool:geraniol) is, for example, 1:50 to 50:1 by weight, preferably 1:10 to 20:1, more preferably 1:5 to 10:1, and even more preferably 1:1 to 5:1.

[0020] The total content of linalool and geraniol in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 ppm or more, preferably 0.2 ppm or more, 0.3 ppm or more, 0.5 ppm or more, 1 ppm or more, 5 ppm or more, or 10 ppm or more. The upper limit of the total content of linalool and geraniol in the solid composition is not particularly limited. The content is, for example, 10,000 ppm or less, preferably 5,000 ppm or less, 3,000 ppm or less, 2,000 ppm or less, 1,000 ppm or less, 500 ppm or less, or 200 ppm or less. The total content of linalool and geraniol in the solid composition of the present invention is typically 0.1 to 10,000 ppm, preferably 1 to 1,000 ppm, more preferably 5 to 500 ppm, and even more preferably 10 to 200 ppm.

[0021] The content of 2-methylbutanal in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.01 ppm or more, preferably 0.02 ppm or more, 0.05 ppm or more, 0.1 ppm or more, 0.2 ppm or more, 0.5 ppm or more, or 1 ppm or more. The presence of 2-methylbutanal together with linalool and geraniol within the above ranges allows the solid composition of the present invention to exhibit a more excellent floral fragrance. The upper limit of the 2-methylbutanal content in the solid composition is not particularly limited. The content is, for example, 1000 ppm or less, preferably 500 ppm or less, 200 ppm or less, 100 ppm or less, 50 ppm or less, 20 ppm or less, or 10 ppm or less. The content of 2-methylbutanal in the solid composition of the present invention is typically 0.01 to 1000 ppm, preferably 0.2 to 50 ppm, more preferably 0.5 to 20 ppm, and even more preferably 1 ppm to 10 ppm.

[0022] (2,4-heptadienal) The solid composition of the present invention may further contain 2,4-heptadienal. 2,4-heptadienal has the molecular formula CH 10 It is a type of terpene aldehyde represented by O, and is known to have a liver or fishy smell.

[0023] The content of 2,4-heptadienal in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.00001 ppm or more, preferably 0.00002 ppm or more, 0.00003 ppm or more, 0.00004 ppm or more, 0.00005 ppm or more, 0.00006 ppm or more, 0.00007 ppm or more, 0.00008 ppm or more, 0.00009 ppm or more, or 0.0001 ppm or more. The presence of 2,4-heptadienal in the solid composition together with the above-mentioned aromatic components at a content within the above ranges allows the solid composition of the present invention to exhibit a more excellent floral fragrance. The upper limit of the content of 2,4-heptadienal in the solid composition is not particularly limited. The content may be, for example, 20 ppm or less, preferably 10 ppm or less, 5 ppm or less, 2 ppm or less, 1 ppm or less, 0.5 ppm or less, or 0.2 ppm or less. The content of 2,4-heptadienal in the solid composition of the present invention is typically 0 to 20 ppm, preferably 0 to 1 ppm, more preferably 0 to 0.5 ppm, and even more preferably 0 to 0.2 ppm.

[0024] In the present invention, the contents of linalool, geraniol, 2-methylbutanal, and 2,4-heptadienal in the solid composition can be measured using gas chromatography (GC). Examples of analytical instruments include a flash GC nose HERACLES II (Alpha Moss Japan). Specifically, the solid composition of the present invention is dissolved in water to prepare a solution, and the contents of various aromatic components can be measured using the solution under the following conditions. Gas chromatographic equipment: Flash GC nose HERACLES II Column 1: MXT-5 (low polarity, 10 m, 180 μm ID, 0.4 μm) Column 2: MXT-WAX (high polarity, 10 m, 180 μm ID, 0.4 μm) Carrier gas flow rate: Hydrogen 1.6 mL / min Flame ionization detector (FID) temperature: 260°C Injector temperature: 200℃ Oven temperature: 40°C (5 seconds) ~ 1.5°C / sec ~ 250°C (90 seconds) Injection time: 125 seconds Trapping temperature: adsorption 50℃, desorption 240℃ Trapping time: Adsorption 130 seconds, preheating 35 seconds The conditions for the measurement sample can be set as shown in the Examples below. After measuring the content of the aroma component in the solution, the content of the aroma component in the solid composition can be calculated backward from the amount of the solid composition dissolved in water.

[0025] In the present invention, when the aroma component such as linalool or geraniol is a glycoside, the amount of the aroma component refers to the amount of the aroma component itself excluding the sugar moiety, such as linalool itself or geraniol itself, unless otherwise specified. The glycoside (sugar moiety) can be removed by using an appropriate glycosidase.

[0026] (dextrin) The solid composition of the present invention may contain dextrin. Dextrin is a general term for carbohydrates obtained by hydrolysis of starch or glycogen. In the present invention, dextrin can be used as an excipient for forming a solid composition. The type of dextrin used in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but may be one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more, preferably two or more, more preferably three or more.

[0027] The dextrin content in the solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 10 to 70% by weight, preferably 20 to 65% by weight, and more preferably 30 to 60% by weight, in terms of the total dextrin content. Commercially available dextrins can be used in the present invention. The dextrin content in the solid composition can be measured by sugar analysis using a method known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The dextrin used in the present invention is not particularly limited, and examples include linear dextrin, cyclic dextrin, and helical dextrin. Herein, "linear dextrin" refers to dextrin in which glucose is bonded in a linear or branched chain, and does not form a ring structure or a helical structure. Also, "cyclic dextrin" refers to dextrin in which glucose is bonded to form a ring structure, but does not form a helical structure. Also, "helical dextrin" refers to dextrin in which glucose is bonded to form a helical structure. The solid composition of the present invention preferably contains linear dextrin and cyclic dextrin.

[0029] The linear dextrin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include linear dextrins with a DE (dextrose equivalent) of 1 to 25 and linear dextrins with a weight-average molecular weight of 500 to 160,000. Furthermore, in the present invention, linear dextrins can be used alone or in combination of two or more. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of two types of linear dextrins. When two types of linear dextrins are used, for example, a combination of a linear dextrin with a DE of 2 to 5 and a linear dextrin with a DE of 16 to 20, or a combination of a linear dextrin with a weight-average molecular weight of 90,000 to 140,000 and a linear dextrin with a weight-average molecular weight of 600 to 1,200 can be used.

[0030] When a linear dextrin is used, the content of the linear dextrin in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0 to 65% by weight, preferably 10 to 60% by weight, and more preferably 15 to 55% by weight. When a linear dextrin with a DE of 2 to 5 and a linear dextrin with a DE of 16 to 20 are used as two types of linear dextrin, the content of the linear dextrin with a DE of 2 to 5 in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0 to 60% by weight, preferably 5 to 50% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 45% by weight, and the content of the linear dextrin with a DE of 16 to 20 is, for example, 0 to 60% by weight, preferably 5 to 50% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 45% by weight. The ratio (by weight) of the DE2 to DE5 linear dextrin to the DE16 to DE20 linear dextrin is, for example, 4:0.5 to 0.5:5, preferably 3:1 to 1:5, and more preferably 2:1 to 1:4.

[0031] Furthermore, when two types of linear dextrins are used, one having a weight-average molecular weight of 90,000 to 140,000 and the other having a weight-average molecular weight of 600 to 1,200, the content of the linear dextrin having a weight-average molecular weight of 90,000 to 140,000 in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0 to 65% by weight, preferably 10 to 60% by weight, and more preferably 15 to 55% by weight, and the content of the linear dextrin having a weight-average molecular weight of 600 to 1,200 is, for example, 5 to 60% by weight, preferably 5 to 50% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 45% by weight. The ratio (weight ratio) of the linear dextrin having a weight average molecular weight of 90,000 to 140,000 to the linear dextrin having a weight average molecular weight of 600 to 1,200 is, for example, 5:1 to 1:3, preferably 3:1 to 1:2, and more preferably 2:1 to 1:1.

[0032] As the cyclic dextrin, for example, cyclodextrin can be used. In the present invention, any of α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin can be used, but α-cyclodextrin is preferably used. The weight-average molecular weight of the cyclic dextrin used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 700 to 1,300, preferably 800 to 1,200, and more preferably 900 to 1,100. When a cyclic dextrin is used, the content of the cyclic dextrin in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.5 to 15% by weight, preferably 1 to 12% by weight, and more preferably 3 to 10% by weight.

[0033] When linear dextrin and cyclic dextrin are used, the ratio (weight ratio) of the linear dextrin to the cyclic dextrin is, for example, 20:1 to 2:1, preferably 15:1 to 3:1, and more preferably 12:1 to 5:1.

[0034] The solid composition of the present invention may contain a helical dextrin. The DE of the helical dextrin used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but is, for example, less than 7, preferably less than 6, and more preferably less than 5. For example, cluster dextrin (Ezaki Glico) can be used as the helical dextrin. When a helical dextrin is used, the content of the helical dextrin in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0 to 45% by weight, preferably 5 to 30% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 20% by weight. When a helical dextrin is used, the weight ratio of the linear dextrin to the helical dextrin is, for example, 1:3 to 3:1, preferably 1:2 to 2:1, and more preferably 1:1.5 to 1.5:1.

[0035] (Other aromatic ingredients) In addition to the above-mentioned linalool, geraniol, 2-methylbutanal, and 2,4-heptadienal, the solid composition of the present invention can further contain one or more fragrance components selected from the group consisting of α-ionone, β-cyclocitral, (z)-3-hexenol, 1-penten-3-ol, nerolidol, hexanal, (E)-linalool oxide, β-myrcene, trans-β-ocimene, L-α-terpineol, methyl salicylate, benzyl alcohol, and indole. By incorporating these fragrance components into the solid composition of the present invention, an even more excellent floral fragrance can be exhibited.

[0036] The content of (z)-3-hexenol in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.1 to 50 ppm, preferably 0.5 to 20 ppm, and more preferably 1 to 10 ppm. The content of 1-penten-3-ol in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.1 to 50 ppm, preferably 0.5 to 20 ppm, and more preferably 1 to 10 ppm. The content of nerolidol in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.01 to 20 ppm, preferably 0.05 to 10 ppm, and more preferably 0.1 to 5 ppm. The content of hexanal in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.01 to 20 ppm, preferably 0.05 to 10 ppm, and more preferably 0.1 to 5 ppm. The content of (E)-linalool oxide in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.1 to 1000 ppm, preferably 1 to 100 ppm, and more preferably 5 to 50 ppm. The content of benzyl alcohol in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.1 to 100 ppm, preferably 0.5 to 10 ppm, and more preferably 1 to 5 ppm. The content of β-myrcene in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.01 to 1000 ppm. The content of trans-β-ocimene in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.01 to 1000 ppm. The content of L-α-terpineol in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.01 to 1000 ppm. The content of methyl salicylate in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.01 to 1000 ppm. The content of indole in the solid composition of the present invention is, for example, 0.01 to 1000 ppm.

[0037] In the present invention, the contents of α-ionone, β-cyclocitral, (z)-3-hexenol, 1-penten-3-ol, nerolidol, hexanal, (E)-linalool oxide, β-myrcene, trans-β-ocimene, L-α-terpineol, methyl salicylate, benzyl alcohol, and indole in the solid composition can be measured using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC / MS). Specifically, the contents of various aromatic components can be measured under the following conditions. Equipment: GC: Agilent Technologies GC7890B MS: Agilent Technologies 5977A HS:Gestel MPS Tube: Tenax TA, Carbon bx1000 Column: HP-INNOWAX 60m x 0.25mm i.d. df=0.25μm Temperature conditions: 40℃ (4 minutes) ~ 5℃ / min ~ 260℃ Carrier gas flow rate: He 1.5 ml / min Injection method: Splitless Ion source temperature: 260℃ The conditions for the measurement sample can be set as shown in the examples below.

[0038] (Extract containing linalool, geraniol and 2-methylbutanal) In the solid composition of the present invention, linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal may be used in their purified or crude forms, or an extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal may be used. As the extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, a naturally-derived extract can be used, and both plant and animal extracts can be utilized. In the present invention, a plant extract is preferably used, and among plants, a tea leaf extract is more preferably used. Here, although not particularly limited, the tea leaf extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal is preferably a different type of tea leaf extract from the tea leaf extract described above. That is, when the tea leaf extract described above is used as a first tea leaf extract, a tea leaf extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal can be used as a second tea leaf extract different from the first tea leaf extract. Furthermore, the second tea leaf extract may further contain 2,4-heptadienal. In the present invention, linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal may be derived from the first tea leaf extract. In the present invention, the contents of linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal refer to the amounts contained in the solid composition of the present invention, regardless of their origin.

[0039] As the raw material tea leaves for the tea leaf extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, unfermented tea is preferably used. Specific examples include green teas such as crude tea, sencha, gyokuro, kabusecha, kikucha, ganganone, tenkotsu, tencha, bancha, and roasted tea. The tea leaf extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal may be extracted from only one type of tea leaf, or may be extracted by blending multiple types of tea leaves. In the present invention, the tea leaf extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal is preferably a green tea leaf extract, more preferably an extract obtained from the stems of kikucha, ganganone, tenkotsu, etc. By using the stems of kikucha, ganganone, tenkotsu, etc., aromatic components derived therefrom other than linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal can be contained, and a more excellent flavor reminiscent of high-quality tea can be imparted to the solid composition.

[0040] When using a tea leaf extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, the content is not particularly limited, and the content of the tea leaf extract containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal in the solid composition of the present invention can be adjusted so that it is within the range specified above.

[0041] (Other additives) In addition to the various components listed above, the solid composition of the present invention may contain additives commonly used in foods and beverages, such as antioxidants, preservatives, pH adjusters, sweeteners, nutritional fortifiers, thickening agents, emulsifiers, dietary fiber, and quality stabilizers, within the range that does not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0042] (solid composition) The solid composition of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is preferably in powder form, i.e., a powder composition. In the present invention, the powder composition may be in powder form, and granules are also included. In the present invention, the particle size of the powder composition is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.1 to 500 μm, preferably 1 to 300 μm, and more preferably 10 to 200 μm.

[0043] The solid composition of the present invention can be incorporated into food and beverage products (drinks and foods). In other words, the present invention can provide food and beverage products containing the above-described solid composition. The solid composition of the present invention is preferably incorporated into a liquid to produce a beverage, and most preferably dissolved in water or hot water and consumed as a tea beverage. From this perspective, the solid composition of the present invention can be provided as instant tea. Herein, "instant tea" refers to a powdered beverage prepared by drying a solution containing tea leaf extract as a raw material and processing it into a powder. Tea beverages include non-fermented teas (e.g., green tea), semi-fermented teas (e.g., oolong tea), and fermented teas (e.g., black tea). Specific examples of tea beverages include steamed non-fermented teas (green teas) such as sencha, bancha, hojicha, gyokuro, kabusecha, and tiancha; non-fermented teas such as pan-fried teas (e.g., Ureshino tea, Aoyagi tea, and various Chinese teas); semi-fermented teas such as Baozhong tea, Tieguanyin tea, and oolong tea; and fermented teas such as black tea, Awa bancha, and pu-erh tea. The tea beverage in which the solid composition of the present invention is utilized is preferably green tea. That is, the solid composition of the present invention can be provided as instant green tea.

[0044] When the solid composition of the present invention is added to a liquid such as water or hot water, its content in the solution is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 10% by weight, and more preferably 0.1 to 5.0% by weight. Also, the content of the solid composition in the solution, the content of linalool in the solution, for example, 1 to 1000 ppb (w / w), preferably 3 to 500 ppb (w / w), more preferably 5 to 300 ppb (w / w), even more preferably 10 to 200 ppb (w / w), or the content of geraniol in the solution is 1 to 800 ppb (w / w), preferably 3 to 400 ppb (w / w), more preferably 5 to 200 ppb (w / w), even more preferably 10 to 100 ppb (w / w), or the content of 2-methylbutanal in the solution is 0.1 to 500 ppb (w / w), preferably 0.3 to 300 ppb (w / w), more preferably 0.3 to 100 ppb (w / w), even more preferably 1 to 50 ppb (w / w) It may be adjusted so that.

[0045] The content of the solid composition in the solution may be adjusted so that the total content of linalool and geraniol in the solution is 1 to 1000 ppb (w / w), preferably 5 to 800 ppb (w / w), more preferably 10 to 600 ppb (w / w), and even more preferably 20 to 400 ppb (w / w). When the solid composition contains 2,4-heptadienal, the content of the solid composition in the solution may be adjusted so that the content of 2,4-heptadienal in the solution is 0.001 to 100 ppb (w / w), preferably 0.01 to 50 ppb (w / w), more preferably 0.05 to 30 ppb (w / w), and even more preferably 0.1 to 20 ppb (w / w).

[0046] The solid composition of the present invention can also be added to foods. Examples of such foods include confectioneries such as cakes, castella cakes, candies, cookies, jellies, puddings, and chocolates, frozen desserts such as ice cream, popsicles, and sherbets, and snacks, regardless of whether they are Japanese or Western confectioneries. It can also be used in bread and dairy products. When the solid composition of the present invention is added to foods, the amount of the composition to be added can be appropriately determined depending on the type of food, etc.

[0047] When the solid composition of the present invention is added to food, the amount added can be appropriately determined depending on the type of food, etc. The solid composition of the present invention can be added to food so that the content in the food is 0.01 to 20% by weight, preferably 0.05 to 10% by weight, more preferably 0.1 to 5% by weight.

[0048] The amount of the solid composition of the present invention to be added to a food product can be determined based on the content of the above-mentioned aromatic components. For example, the solid composition of the present invention can be added to a food product so that the linalool content in the food product is 1 to 1,000 ppb (w / w), preferably 3 to 500 ppb (w / w), more preferably 5 to 300 ppb (w / w), and even more preferably 10 to 200 ppb (w / w). For example, the solid composition of the present invention can be added to a food product so that the geraniol content in the food product is 1 to 800 ppb (w / w), preferably 3 to 400 ppb (w / w), more preferably 5 to 200 ppb (w / w), and even more preferably 10 to 100 ppb (w / w). For example, the solid composition of the present invention can be added to a food product so that the content of 2-methylbutanal in the food product is 0.1 to 500 ppb (w / w), preferably 0.3 to 300 ppb (w / w), more preferably 0.3 to 100 ppb (w / w), and even more preferably 1 to 50 ppb (w / w).

[0049] The solid composition of the present invention can be added to foods so that the total content of linalool and geraniol in the food is 1 to 1000 ppb (w / w), preferably 5 to 800 ppb (w / w), more preferably 10 to 600 ppb (w / w), and even more preferably 20 to 400 ppb (w / w). When the solid composition contains 2,4-heptadienal, the solid composition of the present invention can be added to foods so that the content of 2,4-heptadienal in the food is 0.001 to 100 ppb (w / w), preferably 0.01 to 50 ppb (w / w), more preferably 0.05 to 30 ppb (w / w), and even more preferably 0.1 to 20 ppb (w / w).

[0050] (Manufacturing method) The solid composition of the present invention can be produced by (A) preparing a solution containing tea leaf extract, linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, wherein the weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol is 0.015 to 0.215, and (B) drying the resulting solution. In addition to the tea leaf extract, linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, the solution may also contain the various components described above, such as dextrin. The amounts of each component may be appropriately determined as long as the effects of the present invention are not impaired, and the order in which the various components are mixed is not particularly limited. Furthermore, water may be used as the solvent for the solution, or tea leaf extract may be used directly.

[0051] The solution can be dried using a method conventionally known to those skilled in the art. For example, methods such as spray drying, freeze drying, hot air drying, and vacuum drying can be used. In the present invention, spray drying is preferably used. The conditions for spray drying, such as temperature and time, are not particularly limited and can be adjusted appropriately.

[0052] In addition to the above steps, the production of the solid composition of the present invention may include a step of concentrating the solution obtained in step (A) and a step of sterilizing the solution obtained in step (A). Each of these steps can be carried out using a method conventionally known to those skilled in the art.

[0053] Furthermore, for linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal in step (A), a tea leaf extract (second tea leaf extract) containing these components may be used as described above. The second tea leaf extract may further contain 2,4-heptadienal. The solution in step (A) can be prepared by mixing the first tea leaf extract and the second tea leaf extract. Although not particularly limited, a tea leaf extract (second tea leaf extract) containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal can be produced by distilling tea leaves. The tea leaves used as the raw material for the second tea leaf extract are as described above, and in the present invention, the stems of kukicha, ganganoto, sekko, etc. are preferably used as raw materials.

[0054] Steam distillation is typically used as a method for distilling tea leaves to obtain a tea leaf extract (second tea leaf extract) containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal. Steam distillation involves passing steam through the raw material (tea leaves) and cooling and condensing the aromatic components that distill along with the steam. Steam distillation can be performed using methods such as atmospheric pressure steam distillation, reduced pressure steam distillation, and multistage gas-liquid countercurrent contact distillation (spinning cone column). In the present invention, atmospheric pressure steam distillation is preferably used. Furthermore, in the steam distillation of tea leaves, decoction-type steam distillation is typically performed. Decoction-type steam distillation involves heating the raw material (tea leaves) while immersed in water, recovering the generated steam, and cooling it to obtain a distillate.

[0055] Regarding the tea leaf extract (second tea leaf extract) containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, the extract obtained by steam distillation can be further concentrated to increase the concentration of various aromatic components. Distillation concentration is typically used as a concentration method. For distillation concentration, for example, a method can be used in which the tea leaf extract is placed in a still, heated from the bottom to boil, and the aromatic components are recovered together with the steam. For distillation concentration, either atmospheric distillation concentration or reduced-pressure distillation concentration can be used, and in the present invention, reduced-pressure distillation concentration is preferably used. Furthermore, when performing distillation concentration, a procedure called salting out can be performed. By performing salting out, the polarity of the salt in the distillate placed in the still attracts water molecules, promoting the volatilization of organic compounds. Salting out can be performed by adding a salt such as sodium chloride to the distillate to be concentrated.

[0056] Furthermore, the tea leaf extract (second tea leaf extract) containing linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal may be produced through a process of activated carbon treatment. By performing the activated carbon treatment, the amount of unnecessary aroma components can be reduced. Here, in this specification, "activated carbon" refers to a porous material mainly composed of carbon, which is produced from a carbonaceous material such as wood through an activation reaction at high temperature.

[0057] (Method for enhancing floral aroma in food and beverages) The solid composition of the present invention obtained as described above can be added to foods and beverages to enhance the floral aroma of the foods and beverages. Therefore, in another aspect, the present invention can be a method for enhancing the floral aroma of foods and beverages, which includes a step of adding the solid composition obtained through the above steps to the foods and beverages. [Example]

[0058] The present invention will be described below based on examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0059] 1. Preparation of solid composition (powder composition) (1-1)Tea leaf extract A tea extract was prepared by adding 30 kg of commercially available tencha stems (tenko), 4 kg of spiral dextrin (Ezaki Glico, cluster dextrin, weight-average molecular weight: 400,000, DE: less than 5), 0.9 kg of L-ascorbic acid, and 0.54 kg of sodium bicarbonate to a tea extraction tank, adding 300 L of hot water, and holding the mixture at 50°C for 120 minutes to prepare a tea leaf extract. 196 L of the resulting tea leaf extract was mixed with 1.78 kg of linear dextrin (Pine Oligo (Matsutani Chemical Industry, weight-average molecular weight: 710) and then centrifuged to remove insoluble components (tea leaves). The mixture was then sterilized at 90°C for 30 seconds. Thereafter, the tea leaf extract was concentrated by membrane concentration (NTR-759HG-S4F (Nitto Denko), liquid temperature: 20°C, pressure: 3 MPa) to a Brix value of 20 to 35 as the solid content concentration in the solution.

[0060] (1-2) Tea leaf distillate Separately from the above process, a tea leaf distillate was prepared. Specifically, 15 kg of commercially available stem tea leaves were weighed, mixed with 100 kg of water, and heated at 50°C for 2 hours to heat-treat the tea leaves. The treated solution, including the tea leaves, was then placed in a steam still and subjected to decoction-type steam distillation under conditions of a steam pressure of 0.25 MPa, a steam flow rate of 20 kg / hr, and a steam temperature of 100°C (atmospheric pressure). The cooling refrigerant temperature was set to 4°C for the outgoing stream and 6°C for the return stream, and condensation was carried out at a refrigerant flow rate of 30 L / min to recover the distillate. The distillate was recovered for 30 minutes from the start of distillation, and the amount of recovered distillate was 8 kg. This procedure was repeated 10 times to obtain a total of 80 kg of distillate (tea aroma composition).

[0061] To 80 kg of the distillate obtained, 8 g of wood-derived powdered activated carbon (Shirasagi WP-Z, Osaka Gas Chemicals) with an average pore size of 3 nm was added and stirred for 10 minutes with a stirrer to perform activated carbon treatment. The activated carbon in the distillate was removed using filter paper (ADVANTEC, No. 2). The treatment temperature for activated carbon treatment was 6°C.

[0062] The activated carbon-treated 80 kg was then added to the still in two 40 kg portions, and the pressure inside the still was reduced to -0.09 MPa using a vacuum pump. The mixture was heated at a steam flow rate of 5-15 kg / hr and a steam pressure of 0.25 MPa, raising the temperature of the distillate to 40-50°C. The cooling refrigerant temperature was set at 4°C for the outgoing stream and 6°C for the return stream, and condensation was carried out at a refrigerant flow rate of 31 L / min, resulting in the recovery of the distillate. The recovery time for the distillate was 15 minutes from the start of distillation, and the total volume of the recovered distillate was 4 kg (20-fold concentrated). The distillate thus obtained was designated as the tea leaf distillate.

[0063] (1-3) Powder composition 1780 mL of the tea leaf distillate obtained in (1-2) above was added to 20 L of the tea leaf extract obtained in (1-1) above and mixed. The mixture was then sterilized at 90°C for 45 seconds. The sterilized solution was spray-dried using a spray dryer to produce a powder composition. The drying conditions were an inlet hot air temperature of 160°C and an outlet hot air temperature of 110°C.

[0064] (1-4) Evaluation of powder composition When the powder composition obtained above was dissolved in water, an excellent floral fragrance was observed. Analysis of the aroma components of this powder composition revealed that linalool, geraniol, 2-methylbutanal, nerolidol, hexanal, 1-penten-3-ol, (z)-3-hexenol, and the like were detected. Focusing on the presence of linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal among the various aroma components, the concentrations of these components in the powder composition were measured as follows.

[0065] <Calibration curve> Standard stock solutions (ethanol solvent) were prepared so that the target aroma components had a concentration of 1000 ppm, and each standard stock solution was then adjusted with pure water to 0.004, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 ppm. 10 mL of each prepared solution was placed in a 20 mL vial containing 3 g of sodium chloride to prepare calibration curve samples.

[0066] <Preparation of analytical samples> The tea aroma composition was diluted appropriately with pure water so that it fell within the concentration range of the calibration curve, and 10 mL of the resulting solution and 3 g of sodium chloride were placed in a 20 mL vial to prepare an analytical sample.

[0067] <Component analysis> The concentrations of various aroma components were measured using a gas chromatography analyzer (Alpha Moss Japan, Flash GC Nose HERACLES II). (sampling parameters) Incubation: 60℃, 15 minutes Syringe: Temperature: 70°C, Post-injection cleaning: 90 seconds Headspace injection: 5000 μl at 250 μl / sec (Device Parameters) Column 1: MXT-5 (low polarity, 10 m, 180 μm ID, 0.4 μm) Column 2: MXT-WAX (high polarity, 10 m, 180 μm ID, 0.4 μm) Carrier gas flow rate: Hydrogen 1.6 mL / min Flame ionization detector (FID) temperature: 260°C Injector temperature: 200℃ Oven temperature: 40°C (5 seconds) ~ 1.5°C / sec ~ 250°C (90 seconds) Injection time: 125 seconds Trapping temperature: adsorption 50℃, desorption 240℃ Trapping time: Adsorption 130 seconds, preheating 35 seconds

[0068] The results of the above measurements showed that the concentrations of linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal dimethyl sulfide were 260 ppb, 73 ppb, and 50 ppb, respectively. A powder composition was prepared in the same manner as above using commercially available green tea as the raw material for the tea leaf extract, and evaluated. The resulting powder composition also had an excellent floral fragrance, and the concentrations of linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal were 1853 ppb, 814 ppb, and 102 ppb, respectively (powder composition B).

[0069] The concentrations of other aromatic components were measured under the following conditions.

[0070] <Component analysis> The analytical samples prepared in the same manner as above were introduced into a gas chromatography mass spectrometer (Agilent) by the MVM (Multi Volatile Method) method using MPS manufactured by Gestell, and the concentrations of various aroma components were measured. Equipment: GC: Agilent Technologies GC7890B MS: Agilent Technologies 5977A HS:Gestel MPS Tube: Tenax TA, Carbon bx1000 Column: HP-INNOWAX 60m x 0.25mm i.d. df=0.25μm Temperature conditions: 40℃ (4 minutes) ~ 5℃ / min ~ 260℃ Carrier gas flow rate: He 1.5 ml / min Injection method: Splitless Ion source temperature: 260℃

[0071] The measurement results were 2.3 ppb for nerolidol, 6.2 ppb for hexanal, 29.6 ppb for 1-penten-3-ol, and 9.5 ppb for (z)-3-hexenol.In addition, for the above-mentioned powder composition B, the values ​​were 16.2 ppb for nerolidol, 1.9 ppb for hexanal, 45.7 ppb for 1-penten-3-ol, and 43.5 ppb for (z)-3-hexenol.

[0072] 2. Examination of the ratio of aromatic components Based on the above measurement results, we focused on linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal, and investigated the presence and content of 2-methylbutanal in particular. First, in a preliminary experiment, we compared the tea distillate prepared according to (1-2) above diluted with water with the water diluted with standard samples of various aroma components added to the water to achieve the same concentration as the diluted tea. We confirmed that there was almost no difference in the floral aroma between the two. Furthermore, we investigated the aroma by adding standard samples of linalool and geraniol to water at various concentration ratios. We found no significant difference in the aroma at any concentration ratio, and confirmed that there was almost no difference in the aroma at least when the concentration ratio of linalool to geraniol (linalool:geraniol) was between 1:10 and 20:1.

[0073] After the above preliminary confirmation, the base powdered tea was first obtained. Specifically, 12 kg of commercially available sencha (Yutaka Midori) was placed in a tea extraction tank, 120 kg of hot water was added, and the mixture was incubated at 40°C for 40 minutes to extract the tea leaves. This extraction process was repeated twice to produce a total of 181 L of tea leaf extract. 2.03 kg of dextrin (Pine Oligo 20), 0.18 kg of L-ascorbic acid, and 0.13 kg of sodium bicarbonate were added to the resulting tea leaf extract and mixed. Next, membrane concentration was performed (NTR-759HG-S4F (Nitto Denko), liquid temperature: 15°C, pressure: 3 MPa) to achieve a Brix value of 30. After concentration, cluster dextrin was added to a concentration of 2.29 wt%. Finally, sterilization was performed at 90°C for 30 seconds to produce the tea leaf extract. The obtained tea leaf extract was spray-dried to obtain a powdered tea base.

[0074] Next, 200 mL of water was added to 1.2 g of the powdered tea obtained as described above to prepare a powdered tea solution with a Brix of 0.6 (Brix of tea solids: 0.3). Linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal standards were added to this solution to the final concentrations shown in the table below to prepare various samples. Since the concentrations of the aroma components contained in the various standards were unknown, their concentrations were measured in advance by gas chromatography. Specifically, since 2-methylbutanal was poorly soluble in water, the obtained standard was dissolved in 3 to 100 times ethanol, and the ethanol solution was further diluted with 50 to 5,000 times water to prepare the concentration measurement sample. Linalool, geraniol, and 2,4-heptadienal standards were diluted 50 to 5,000 times with pure water and appropriately adjusted to obtain concentrations within the calibration curve range to prepare the concentration measurement sample. Gas chromatography analysis was performed using the same method as described above.

[0075] A sensory evaluation was conducted on the various samples prepared using the standard product by four panelists who were fully trained in flavor evaluation. The sensory evaluation involved rating the degree of floral aroma perceived in the samples on the following five-point scale (in increments of 0.1), and calculating the average score. In the sensory evaluation, the sample to which 2-methylbutanal had not been added (sample 1-1) was given a score of 3, and the various samples were evaluated. 1: No floral scent 2: Slight floral scent 3: Feel the floral scent 4: Strong floral scent (excellent floral scent) 5: The floral scent is very strong (the floral scent is excellent)

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] In addition, 0.8 g of a dextrin mixture (Sandec #30: 28.3 parts by weight, CAVAMAX W6: 5 parts by weight, TK-16: 16.7 parts by weight) was added to 1.2 g of the above powdered tea (base) to prepare a powdered composition with a higher dextrin content, and 200 mL of water was added to this to prepare a powdered tea solution with a Brix of 1.0 (tea solid Brix 0.3).

[0078] Linalool, geraniol, and 2-methylbutanal were added to the resulting powdered tea solution to prepare various samples at the final concentrations shown in the table below. Sensory evaluation of the prepared samples was performed using the same method as above. In the sensory evaluation, each sample was scored, with Sample 2-1 (control), which did not contain 2-methylbutanal, being given a score of 3.0.

[0079] [Table 2]

[0080] As described above, it has been revealed that the presence of 2-methylbutanal results in the perception of an excellent floral aroma, and it has been shown that the level of the excellent floral aroma is improved when the weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol (2-methylbutanal / (linalool + geraniol)) falls within a specified range.

Claims

1. A solid composition containing linalool, geraniol and 2-methylbutanal, wherein the weight ratio of the 2-methylbutanal content to the total content of linalool and geraniol is 0.015 to 0.215, and containing a tea leaf extract of Sencha.

2. The composition of claim 1 which is a powder composition.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, which contains two or more types of dextrin.

4. The composition of claim 3, comprising linear dextrin and cyclic dextrin.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising one or more fragrance components selected from the group consisting of α-ionone, β-cyclocitral, (z)-3-hexenol, 1-penten-3-ol, nerolidol, hexanal, (E)-linalool oxide, β-myrcene, trans-β-ocimene, L-α-terpineol, methyl salicylate, benzyl alcohol, and indole.

6. A food or drink comprising the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The food or drink according to claim 6, which is a beverage.

8. The food or drink according to claim 7, which is a tea drink.

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