Yerba Mate Black Tea Processing Method for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing processing methods for yerba mate to produce black tea are inadequate as they can lead to contamination by aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons and environmental pollutants due to direct contact with furnace gases and lack of initial washing.
Innovation Solution
A modified processing method involving withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, and segregation of young yerba mate leaves, which includes initial withering for 12-14 hours to remove 65-67% moisture, followed by rolling, oxidation/fermentation, drying at 110 °C for 24 minutes, and final segregation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If yerba mate leaves are processed using traditional sapping and drying methods with direct furnace contact, then the processing is simple and cost-effective, but the leaves become contaminated by aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons and environmental pollutants
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful element (furnace gases containing aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons) is extracted from the processing system by replacing direct furnace drying with indirect steam drying, eliminating the source of contamination while maintaining the drying function
Solution Approach 2:
Steam is introduced as an intermediary medium to transfer heat for drying the leaves without direct contact between the leaves and furnace gases, thereby preventing contamination while achieving the desired drying effect
2Object-affected harmful factors
If yerba mate leaves are processed without initial washing, then the processing is simpler and faster, but the leaves retain environmental pollutants, microorganisms and small invertebrates
Solution Approach 1:
Washing is performed as a preliminary action before the main processing steps, removing environmental pollutants and contaminants from the leaves at the beginning of the process to ensure product safety without significantly extending total processing time
3Object-affected harmful factors
If yerba mate leaves are dried using traditional methods, then the process is simpler, but carcinogenic substances remain in the final product
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of traditional furnace drying (contamination by carcinogenic aromatic polycyclic hydrocarbons) is converted into a benefit by using steam drying, which eliminates carcinogenic contamination while maintaining effective moisture removal from the leaves
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method effectively reduces contamination by eliminating moisture and allowing for controlled oxidation, resulting in a higher quality black tea product with reduced carcinogenic potential and improved safety from environmental pollutants.
Implementation Method 1
withered for a certain time... dehydrated for 12 to 14 hours until to wither, with the time required to remove 65 to 67% moisture
Implementation Method 2
drying and segregation process takes place... drying at 110 °C for 24 minutes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention abstract describes the steps of a process for preparing black tea and the respective resulting product, wherein, in the initial step of the proposed process for producing black tea, the young yerba mate leaves (shoots) are placed to withering for a certain time. Next, the already withered leaves are rolled; afterwards the fermentation is carried out, and after such fermentation, drying and segregation are performed.