Patent ID: 6761918
Filing Date: 2004-07-13
Classification: A23F

Abstract:
A method of processing tea leaves to produce black tea that can be brewed in cold water, the method comprising the following steps:withering green tea leaves by spreading out the leaves and promoting air circulation, the withering functioning to reduce the moisture content within the leaves to produce withered leaves; macerating the leaves to break down the tissue structure of the leaves and thereby facilitating oxidation of polyphenols by bringing the polyphenols into contact with leaf enzymes, the maceration producing dhools of varying grades; fermenting the dhools; spraying the fermented dhools with a tea extract solution, the extract solution consisting of a solution of specially made cold water soluble tea extract; drying the tea dhools, the drying lowering the moisture content and ceasing the oxidation of the polyphenols by leaf enzymes and producing black tea which can be brewed in cold water.