JP2010213682A - Method for producing purified tea extract - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for producing a purified tea extract by which the recovery of nonpolymer catechins is improved while reducing the amount of a used organic solvent. <P>SOLUTION: The method for producing the purified tea extract includes an adsorption step for adsorbing the nonpolymer catechins contained in a tea extract by bringing the tea extract into contact with a synthetic adsorbent having a fine and uniform particle diameter, and an elution step for eluting the nonpolymer catechin by bringing an aqueous solution of the organic solvent into contact with the synthetic adsorbent. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for producing a purified tea extract.

  As a method for producing a beverage containing catechin, a method of using a tea extract such as a concentrate of green tea extract and adding catechin to a beverage in a dissolved state is used. However, for example, depending on the type of beverage such as black tea or carbonated beverage, when catechin is blended at a high concentration, the bitter and astringent taste derived from caffeine and green tea becomes strong, and the commercial value of the beverage may be greatly impaired.

  In order to solve such problems, adsorption methods (Patent Documents 1 to 7), extraction methods (Patent Documents 8 and 9) and the like have been proposed as methods for removing impurities such as caffeine from tea extracts. In these methods, catechin in the tea extract is recovered while removing impurities using a large amount of an organic solvent, but the recovery rate of catechin is not always sufficient.

  On the other hand, as a method for separating and purifying isoflavone, which is a kind of polyphenol, a method of separating isoflavone from a soybean extract using a synthetic adsorbent (Patent Document 10), having a styrene-divinylbenzene polymer as a basic skeleton, and A method of separating isoflavones from a soybean extract adjusted for protein content using an anion exchange resin having a uniform particle size and having a predetermined particle distribution has been proposed (Patent Document 11). However, in Patent Document 11, although the method using the synthetic adsorbent described in Patent Document 10 can obtain isoflavones at a high concentration, it is difficult to separate an unpleasant taste component from isoflavones. It is described as increasing the taste.

JP-A-5-153910 JP-A-8-109178 JP 2002-335911 A JP 2006-36645 A JP-A-1-175978 JP 2001-97968 A JP 2006-160656 A JP-A-1-289447 JP 59-219384 A JP-A-62-126186 JP 2002-80474 A

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the problem thereof is a method for producing a purified tea extract in which the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins is improved while reducing the amount of organic solvent used, and the production It is to provide a purified tea extract obtained by the method.

  Therefore, the present inventors have specific properties as a synthetic adsorbent in a method for producing a purified tea extract in which a non-polymer catechin is eluted in an organic solvent aqueous solution after adsorbing the tea extract to the synthetic adsorbent. It was found that non-polymer catechins can be recovered in a high yield while reducing the amount of organic solvent used.

That is, the present invention includes an adsorption step of bringing a tea extract into contact with a synthetic adsorbent having a fine and / or uniform particle size to adsorb non-polymer catechins contained in the tea extract onto the synthetic adsorbent. ,
The present invention provides a method for producing a purified tea extract, comprising an elution step in which an organic solvent aqueous solution is brought into contact with a synthetic adsorbent to elute non-polymer catechins.
The present invention also provides a purified tea extract obtained by the above production method.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently recover non-polymer catechins with little change in the composition of non-polymer catechins before and after purification despite the reduction in the amount of organic solvent used. In addition, contamination with gallic acid, caffeine, etc., while suppressing composition changes in non-polymer catechins, without requiring purification means such as adsorption with ion exchange resins or extraction with organic solvents. It is possible to efficiently produce a refined tea extract with good taste and reduced taste.

First, terms used in this specification will be described.
In the present specification, “(A) non-polymer catechins” means non-epimeric catechins such as catechin, gallocatechin, catechin gallate and gallocatechin gallate, and epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate and epigallocatechin. It is a general term for epi-catechins such as gallate. The concentration of non-polymer catechins is defined based on the total amount of the above eight types.

In this specification, “(B) gallate form of non-polymer catechins” is a general term including catechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epicatechin gallate, epigallocatechin gallate and the like. The gallate body ratio in non-polymer catechins is the mass ratio of the gallate body to the total amount of non-polymer catechins.
In this specification, “(C) Galo form of non-polymer catechins” is a general term including epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin gallate, epigallocatechin, gallocatechin and the like. The percentage of gallo form in non-polymer catechins is the mass ratio of the gallo form to the total amount of non-polymer catechins.

In the present specification, “fine particle diameter” means that the average particle diameter is 500 μm or less, preferably less than 500 μm. Here, the “average particle diameter” in the present specification is measured by a laser diffraction / scattering method based on Mie scattering theory, and specifically, by a particle size distribution measuring apparatus using a laser diffraction / scattering method. The median diameter (d ₅₀ ) obtained by creating the particle size distribution of the synthetic adsorbent on the basis of the number is the average particle diameter. “Uniform particle size” means that the difference (Δd) between the maximum particle size (d _max ) and the minimum particle size (d _min ) is less than 800 μm. Here, in the present specification, “maximum particle diameter” and “minimum particle diameter” are particles having a frequency (%) of 0.1% among the frequency (%) of each particle diameter measured by the above apparatus. The minimum value of the diameter is defined as the maximum particle diameter (d _max ), and the maximum value of the particle diameter at which the frequency (%) is 0.1% is defined as the minimum particle diameter (d _min ). Further, a difference “d _max −d _min ” between the maximum particle size and the minimum particle size is defined as “Δd”.

Next, the manufacturing method of the refined tea extract of this invention is demonstrated.
As described above, the method for producing a purified tea extract of the present invention includes an adsorption step and an elution step. Hereinafter, each manufacturing process will be described in detail.
(Adsorption process)
In the adsorption step according to the present invention, the tea extract is brought into contact with a synthetic adsorbent having a fine and / or uniform particle size to adsorb non-polymer catechins contained in the tea extract onto the synthetic adsorbent. It is.

Examples of the tea extract used in the present invention include an extract obtained from tea leaves. A mixture of a caffeine-containing extract such as coffee and a tea extract derived from other caffeine-containing plants can also be used. More specifically, examples of the tea leaves used include tea leaves made from tea leaves obtained from the genus Camellia, such as C. sinensis, C. assamica, Yabuki species, or hybrids thereof. The tea leaves produced include green teas such as sencha, bancha, gyokuro, tencha, roasted tea, semi-fermented tea typified by oolong tea, and fermented tea typified by black tea. Moreover, you may use the tea leaf which gave the carbon dioxide contact process of the supercritical state. The tea extract used in the present invention is preferably a green tea extract from the viewpoint of the content of non-polymer catechins.
As a method for extracting tea, conventional methods such as stirring extraction and drip extraction can be employed. Moreover, you may add organic acids or its salts, such as ascorbic acid or its sodium salt, to the water at the time of extraction previously. Furthermore, a method of extracting under a non-oxidative atmosphere while removing dissolved oxygen by bubbling degassing or inert gas such as nitrogen gas may be used in combination. The tea extract obtained in this way can be used in the present invention as it is, even if it is dried and concentrated. Examples of the tea extract include liquid, slurry, semi-solid, and solid.

  Further, instead of using a tea extract extracted from tea leaves as a tea extract, the concentration of the tea extract and the tea extract can be obtained by dissolving or diluting the tea extract concentrate in water or an organic solvent. You may use together. Here, the concentrate of tea extract refers to a concentrate obtained by concentrating an extract extracted from tea leaves with hot water or an organic solvent aqueous solution. For example, JP-A-59-219384 and JP-A-4-20589. It can be prepared by the methods described in JP-A-5-260907, JP-A-5-306279, and the like. Moreover, you may use a commercial item as a concentrate of a tea extract, for example, Mitsui Norin Co., Ltd. "Polyphenon", ITO EN Co., Ltd. "Theafranc", Taiyo Kagaku Co., Ltd. "Sunphenon" etc. are illustrated. .

Moreover, you may use what hydrolyzed as a tea extract in this invention. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the gallate body ratio in non-polymer catechins. As a result, it is possible to obtain a tea extract with a much better flavor, in which the bitterness and astringency are sufficiently reduced.
For the hydrolysis treatment, an enzyme having tannase activity is preferably used. Examples of the enzyme having tannase activity include tannase obtained by culturing tannase-producing bacteria belonging to the genus Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Rhizopus. Among these, those derived from Aspergillus oryzae are preferable. In tannase treatment, tannase should be added so that the total mass of non-polymer catechins in the tea extract is 1 to 300 Unit / g, further 3 to 200 Unit / g, especially 5 to 150 Unit / g. Is preferred. Here, “1Unit” indicates the amount of enzyme that hydrolyzes the ester bond contained in tannic acid in 1 micromolar water at 30 ° C. The tannase treatment temperature is preferably 15 to 40 ° C., and particularly preferably 20 to 30 ° C. at which enzyme activity can be obtained. The pH (25 ° C.) during the tannase treatment is preferably 4 to 6 at which enzyme activity can be obtained, more preferably 4.3 to 5.8, and particularly preferably 4.5 to 5.5.

In tannase treatment, after adding an enzyme having tannase activity, the tea extract is kept at 20 to 50 ° C., particularly 25 to 40 ° C. until the gallate content in non-polymer catechins reaches 1 to 60% by mass. It is preferable to do. In this case, the gallate content in the non-polymer catechins is preferably adjusted to 3 to 55% by mass, particularly 5 to 50% by mass. The control of the gallate body rate by tannase treatment preferably determines the end point of the reaction according to the pH behavior of the tea extract during the treatment, and the pH (25 ° C.) is 3 to 6, particularly 3.5 to 5.5. preferable.
Thereafter, the temperature is raised to 45 to 98 ° C., preferably 75 to 95 ° C. as quickly as possible to deactivate the tannase and stop the reaction. Thereby, since the fall of the gallate body rate after that can be prevented, the tea extract which has a desired gallate body rate can be obtained simply.

The synthetic adsorbent used in the present invention has a fine particle size and / or a uniform particle size, but has an ion exchange capacity of less than 1 meq / g and a polymer having an insoluble three-dimensional crosslinked structure. Is preferred.
The particle shape of the synthetic adsorbent used in the present invention may be any shape such as a spherical shape or a non-uniform shape, but is preferably a spherical shape in order to satisfy a good separation condition.

As the synthetic adsorbent used in the present invention, those having the following specific properties are suitable.
The average particle diameter (d ₅₀ ) is preferably 100 to 500 μm, more preferably 120 to 480 μm, particularly preferably 250 to 450 μm, and particularly preferably 300 to 430 μm.
The synthetic adsorbent used in the present invention preferably has a narrow particle size distribution, particularly a normal distribution. Specifically, the difference (Δd) between the maximum particle size (d _max ) and the minimum particle size (d _min ) is 30 to 600 μm, more preferably 40 to 500 μm, especially 50 to 450 μm, particularly 60 to 400 μm. preferable. Further, the ratio (d ₅₀ / Δd) between the average particle size (d ₅₀ ) and the difference (Δd) between the maximum particle size and the minimum particle size is 0.65 or more, more preferably 0.80 or more, and particularly 1.0. As mentioned above, it is especially preferable that it is 1.25 or more. The upper limit of d ₅₀ / Δd is preferably 30, more preferably 15, particularly 10 and particularly 5 from the viewpoint of production cost.
By using a synthetic adsorbent having such properties, it becomes possible not only to significantly improve the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins, but also to suppress the composition change in non-polymer catechins. Contaminants such as acid and caffeine can be efficiently removed.

Such a synthetic adsorbent may be produced by a known method. For example, a synthetic adsorbent having a desired average particle size and particle size distribution may be collected by sieving a commercially available synthetic adsorbent.
Examples of commercially available synthetic adsorbents include Amberlite XAD4, XAD16HP, XAD1180, XAD2000 (supplier: Rohm & Haas, USA), Diaion HP20, HP21 (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation), Sepabeads SP-850, SP-825. , SP-700, SP-70 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical), VPOC1062 (manufactured by Bayer), etc .; bromine atoms are introduced into the aromatic rings such as Sepabeads SP205, SP206, SP207 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical) and adsorbed Substituted styrene type with enhanced performance; Methacrylic type such as Diaion HP1MG, HP2MG (Mitsubishi Chemical); Phenol type such as Amberlite XAD761 (Rohm and Haas); Amberlite XAD7HP (Rohm and Haas), etc. Acrylic type; TOYOPEARL, HW- Examples include polyvinyls such as 40C (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation); dextran systems such as SEPHADEX and LH-20 (Pharmacia).
Among them, as the synthetic adsorbent, those whose matrix is styrene, methacrylic, acrylic or polyvinyl are preferable, and those which are styrene are particularly separable from non-polymer catechins and impurities. To preferred.

  As the use amount of the synthetic adsorbent, the ratio of the total mass of non-polymer catechins in the tea extract to the total capacity of the synthetic adsorbent is 20 to 60 g / L, more preferably 25 to 55 g / L, particularly 30 to It is preferable to select an amount of 50 g / L from the viewpoint of improving the removal efficiency of impurities and the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins.

  In the adsorption process, the synthetic adsorbent is added to the tea extract or its aqueous solution, stirred and adsorbed, and then continuously collected using a batch method that collects the synthetic adsorbent by filtration or a column packed with the synthetic adsorbent. A column method in which adsorption treatment is performed can be employed, but a continuous treatment method using a column is preferred from the viewpoint of productivity.

In addition, before the adsorption step, it is preferable to wash the synthetic adsorbent from the viewpoint of removing impurities in the synthetic adsorbent and improving the adsorption ability of non-polymer catechins. As the washing method, for example, the liquid flow rate is SV (space velocity) = 0.5 to 10 [h ⁻¹ ], and the liquid flow rate is 2 to 10 [L / w with respect to the total capacity of the synthetic adsorbent. L] is passed through a column packed with a synthetic adsorbent to remove impurities in the synthetic adsorbent, and then the liquid passing speed is SV = 0.5 to 10 [h ⁻¹ ]. In addition, there is exemplified a method in which water having a flow rate of 2 to 10 [L / L] with respect to the total volume of the synthetic adsorbent is passed through the column and ethanol in the column is replaced with water. Examples of the organic solvent to be used include ketones such as acetone and alcohols such as methanol and ethanol. Among these, alcohol, particularly ethanol is preferable from the viewpoint of use in foods. The concentration of the organic solvent in the organic solvent aqueous solution is preferably 85% by mass or more, particularly preferably 90% by mass or more. In addition, it is preferable that the upper limit of the density | concentration of an organic solvent is 99 mass%, especially 98 mass%.

The conditions for passing the tea extract through the column filled with the synthetic adsorbent are as follows. The liquid passing speed is SV = 0.5 to 10 [h ⁻¹ ], and the liquid passing multiple is that of the synthetic adsorbent. The total capacity is preferably 0.5 to 20 [L / L]. With such a flow rate and a flow rate, non-polymer catechins in the tea extract can be sufficiently adsorbed on the synthetic adsorbent.

  After adsorbing the tea extract, the synthetic adsorbent may be washed with water or an organic solvent aqueous solution. Examples of water used for washing the synthetic adsorbent include tap water, purified water, and ion-exchanged water, and can be used by mixing with an organic solvent. Examples of the organic solvent include ketones and alcohols as described above. Among them, alcohols, particularly ethanol are preferable. The concentration of the organic solvent is preferably less than 5% by mass, more preferably less than 2% by mass, and particularly preferably less than 1% by mass from the viewpoint of the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins.

In this washing step, the flow rate is set to SV = 0.5 to 10 [h ⁻¹ ], the flow rate is set to 1 to 3 [L / L] with respect to the total capacity of the synthetic adsorbent, and 1. It is preferable to pass through as 1 to 2.5 [L / L], particularly 1.2 to 2 [L / L]. Thereby, the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins can be improved while efficiently removing impurities adhering to the synthetic adsorbent.

(Elution process)
Next, an elution process is performed. The elution step is a step of eluting non-polymer catechins adsorbed on the synthetic adsorbent with an organic solvent aqueous solution.
As the organic solvent aqueous solution used in the elution step, a mixed system of a water-soluble organic solvent and water is used. Examples of the water-soluble organic solvent include ketones and alcohols as described above. Among these, alcohol, particularly ethanol is preferable from the viewpoint of use in foods and drinks. The concentration of the water-soluble organic solvent in the organic solvent aqueous solution is usually 10 to 70% by mass, preferably 15 to 50% by mass, more preferably 20 to 40% by mass, and particularly preferably 25 to 35% by mass. Thereby, while improving the collection | recovery rate of non coalescing catechins, taste can be improved further.

The conditions for passing the organic solvent aqueous solution are as follows. The passing rate is SV = 0.5 to 10 [h ⁻¹ ], and the passing rate is 0.7 to 4 [L / L of the total capacity of the synthetic adsorbent. L] is preferable, the flow rate is SV = 1 to 8 [h ⁻¹ ], and the flow rate is preferably 0.8 to 3.5 [L / L]. Thereby, it is possible to recover the non-polymer catechins in a high yield with a smaller amount of the organic solvent used, and to suppress the composition change of the non-polymer catechins before and after purification.
The amount of the organic solvent aqueous solution used relative to the total mass of the non-polymer catechins is preferably 0.01 to 0.30 (L / g), more preferably 0.01 to 0.25 (L / g), and particularly 0. 0.03 to 0.20 (L / g) is preferable. As a result, it is possible to obtain a high-quality purified tea extract with reduced production load and good flavor.
Further, when a synthetic adsorbent having an average particle diameter (d ₅₀ ) of 430 μm or less is used, it is preferable to use an ethanol aqueous solution adjusted to a predetermined concentration and elute under the following conditions. As a result, the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins can be further enhanced, and a refined tea extract having a good taste with suppressed acidity and bitterness can be obtained.
(I) When the ethanol concentration is 22.5 mass% or more and less than 27.5 mass%, the amount of the organic solvent aqueous solution used relative to the total mass of the non-polymer catechins is preferably 0.02 to 0.20 (L / g), more preferably 0.05 to 0.15 (L / g).
(Ii) When the ethanol concentration is 27.5-50.0% by mass, preferably 27.5-32.5% by mass, the amount of the organic solvent aqueous solution used relative to the total mass of the non-polymer catechins is preferably 0. 01 to 0.095 (L / g), more preferably 0.03 to 0.088 (L / g).

The eluate obtained by the elution step may be concentrated or hydrated to precipitate a precipitate, and then separated by solid-liquid separation to remove the precipitate. Thereby, the taste and stability of the purified tea extract can be further improved. The concentration of the organic solvent in the eluate after concentration or addition is 0.01 to 40% by mass, more preferably 0.1 to 30% by mass, and particularly preferably 0.2 to 30% from the viewpoint of taste and separability of precipitated impurities. It is preferably 20% by mass.
The aging time for depositing the turbid component is not particularly limited, but is preferably 2 minutes to 50 hours, more preferably 2 minutes to 24 hours, and particularly preferably 5 minutes to 6 hours. Moreover, it is preferable that the precipitation temperature of a turbid component is -5-40 degreeC from the point of the solubility fall of a precipitate, and the separability of the turbid component after turbid component precipitation, and also 5-25 degreeC.

  As the operation of solid-liquid separation, a method usually used in the food industry can be applied. For example, filtration, centrifugation, and the like are exemplified, and these can be performed in combination. The turbidity of the purified tea extract aqueous solution, which is a water-soluble part obtained by solid-liquid separation of the eluate, is 0.1 to 100 NTU, more preferably 0.5 to 70 NTU, and particularly 1 to 50 NTU. And preferred in terms of stability. Turbidity is measured with 2100P type (manufactured by Hack Co., Ltd.), and the value [unit: NTU] obtained here can be used as an index of separation clarity.

As membrane filtration conditions when performing solid-liquid separation by membrane filtration, for example, the temperature is preferably 5 to 70 ° C, and more preferably 10 to 40 ° C. The membrane pore size is preferably 0.1 to 10 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 5 μm, and particularly preferably 0.1 to 2 μm from the viewpoint of ease of turbidity adjustment, time required for filtration, and separation of turbid components. . Examples of the method for measuring the membrane pore diameter include general measurement methods using a mercury intrusion method, a bubble point test, a bacterial filtration method, and the like, but it is preferable to use a value obtained by a bubble point test. Examples of the material of the membrane used in the membrane filtration include a polymer membrane, a ceramic membrane, and a stainless membrane.
The centrifuge is preferably a general device such as a separation plate type, a cylindrical type, or a decanter type. As centrifugation conditions, it is preferable that temperature is 5-70 degreeC, Furthermore, it is 10-40 degreeC. The number of rotations and time are not particularly limited as long as the turbidity can be adjusted to a predetermined turbidity. For example, in the case of a separator plate type, 3000 to 10000 r / min, further 5000 to 10000 r / min, particularly 6000 to 10000 r / min, 0.2 to It is preferably 30 minutes, further 0.2 to 20 minutes, particularly preferably 0.2 to 15 minutes.

(Activated carbon treatment process)
Moreover, in this invention, the eluate obtained by the elution process can be made to contact activated carbon. This activated carbon treatment step makes it possible to further reduce the taste in addition to improving the sourness, bitterness and miscellaneous taste of the purified tea extract.
Examples of the raw material for the activated carbon used in this step include coconut shell, wood, and coal. Of these, wood is preferred. Examples of the activated carbon activation method include a steam activation method, a gas activation method, and a chemical activation method. Among these, the chemical activation method is preferable.
Moreover, the following are preferable as activated carbon from the point of the color tone improvement of a product, the usage-amount reduction of activated carbon, and the recovery rate improvement. The average pore diameter is preferably 0.5 to 10 nm (nanometer), more preferably 1 to 9 nm, and particularly preferably 2 to 8 nm. The pore volume is preferably 0.01 to 2.5 mL / g, more preferably 0.1 to 2.0 mL / g, and particularly preferably 0.5 to 1.7 mL / g. The specific surface area is 800~2000m ² / g, further 900~1600m ² / g, particularly preferably in the range of 1000~1500m ² / g. These physical property values are values based on the nitrogen adsorption method.

  Examples of the activated carbon having such properties include ZN-50, Y-10S, GS-1, GS-B (manufactured by Ajinomoto Fine Techno), Kuraray Coal GLC, Kuraray Coal PK-D, Kuraray Coal PW-D, Kuraray Co., Ltd. Cole GW, Kuraray Coal GA, Kuraray Coal GA-D, Kuraray Coal RP-15 (manufactured by Kuraray Chemical Co., Ltd.), white birch AW50, white birch A, white birch P, white birch KL, white birch M, white birch C, carborafine, WH2C (Nippon Enviro Chemicals), GM130A, CW130A, CW130AR, CW350AR, GL130A, SG, SGA, SGP (manufactured by Phutamura Chemical), coconut, MAS mark, plum bee mark, plum bee F mark (manufactured by Taihei Chemical Sangyo), CPG, CAL, S80A Commercial products such as (Mitsubishi Chemical Calgon) can be used.

  The amount of activated carbon used is 0.1% relative to 1 part by mass of the non-polymer catechins in the eluate because of the purification effect, the improvement in the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins, and the low cake resistance in the filtration step. It is preferably 1 to 2 parts by mass, more preferably 0.2 to 1.5 parts by mass, and particularly preferably 0.3 to 1.2 parts by mass.

  When the eluate is brought into contact with activated carbon, the eluate is preferably diluted with an organic solvent aqueous solution. As the organic solvent, a water-soluble organic solvent is preferable, and the same ketone and alcohol as those described above are preferably used. Among these, alcohol, particularly ethanol is preferable from the viewpoint of use in foods. The organic solvent concentration in the eluate after dilution (hereinafter referred to as “elution dilute solution”) is 1 to 80% by mass from the viewpoint of the color tone of the product obtained, the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins, the amount of impurities, Further, it is preferably 2 to 70% by mass, more preferably 5 to 50% by mass, and particularly preferably 7 to 40% by mass. The concentration of the non-polymer catechins in the diluted eluate is 0.3 to 20% by mass, more preferably 0.5 to 15% by mass, particularly 1 to 8% by mass, from the viewpoint of purification effect and recovery rate improvement. Preferably there is. The organic solvent concentration and non-polymer catechin concentration can be adjusted by the amount of water or organic solvent aqueous solution added, vacuum concentration, membrane concentration, solvent removal, or the like.

  As a means for bringing into contact with activated carbon, for example, a batch method in which activated carbon is added to the eluate, stirred and adsorbed, and then recovered by filtration is used, or a column method in which a column filled with activated carbon is used to contact the activated carbon is used. However, a continuous processing method using a column is preferable from the viewpoint of productivity. Moreover, it is preferable to perform contact with activated carbon at 0-60 degreeC, 10-50 degreeC, especially 15-40 degreeC.

After the activated carbon treatment, from the viewpoint of the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins, the used activated carbon may be washed with water or an organic solvent aqueous solution, and the washing solution may be collected. Examples of the water used for the cleaning include those similar to the above-described cleaning step. Moreover, as an organic solvent, the water-soluble organic solvent similar to the above can be used. The concentration of the organic solvent is preferably a low concentration from the viewpoint of reducing impurities, specifically 10 mass% or less, more preferably 5 mass% or less, and particularly preferably 3 mass% or less.
As a usage-amount of water or organic-solvent aqueous solution, 2-20 [mL / g] of the ratio of the total capacity | capacitance of water or organic-solvent aqueous solution with respect to the total mass of activated carbon is preferable, and 5-10 [mL / g] is more preferable. Thereby, while improving the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins, taste can be improved further.

  And the elution dilution liquid after an activated carbon process can be mixed with the washing | cleaning liquid collect | recovered if necessary, and can be concentrated by well-known methods, such as vacuum distillation, thin film distillation, and film | membrane concentration. The concentration factor can be appropriately selected depending on the amount of the organic solvent aqueous solution used, but it is preferably 2 to 500 times, more preferably 2 to 250 times, and particularly preferably 2 to 125 times.

In this way, the non-polymer catechins are obtained in a yield exceeding 70% by mass, further 75-100% by mass, further 80-100% by mass, further 83-100% by mass, and further 85-99% by mass. %, In particular high yields of 88-98% by weight, can be obtained in the purified tea extract. Further, the obtained purified tea extract can have the following characteristics (i) to (viii).
(I) (B) The gallate content in the non-polymer catechins is usually 20 to 70% by mass, but is 25 to 50% by mass, particularly 30 to 35.5% by mass from the viewpoint of reducing bitterness and astringency. It is preferable.
(Ii) The percentage of gallium in (C) non-polymer catechins is usually 60 to 90% by mass, but 70 to 88% by mass, particularly 75 to 85% by mass, from the viewpoint of physiological effects due to non-polymer catechins. % Is preferred.
(Iii) The content mass ratio [(D) / (A)] of (D) caffeine and (A) non-polymer catechins is usually from 0 to 0.25. It is preferably 001 to 0.20, particularly preferably 0.01 to 0.18.
(Iv) The content mass ratio [(E) / (A)] of (E) gallic acid and (A) non-polymer catechins is usually 0 to 0.1, but from the viewpoint of taste improvement and color tone, It is preferably 0.0001 to 0.05, particularly preferably 0.0002 to 0.01.
(V) The amount of change in gallate ratio (Δ gallate body ratio) in the non-polymer catechins before and after purification is usually −10 to +10 mass%, but from the viewpoint of stable supply of the purified tea extract, −8 to It is preferably + 5% by mass, particularly −6 to + 4% by mass.
(Vi) The amount of change in the percentage of gallo body (Δ gallo body ratio) in the non-polymer catechins before and after purification is usually −10 to + 10% by mass, but −5 from the viewpoint of stable supply of the purified tea extract. It is preferable that it is-+ 8 mass%, especially -2.5- + 6 mass%.
(Vii) The residual ratio of caffeine is usually from 0 to 80% by mass, but from the viewpoint of production load and product quality, it is further preferably from 5 to 70% by mass, particularly preferably from 10 to 60% by mass.
(Viii) The residual ratio of gallic acid is usually 20% by mass or less, but 0.05 to 15% by mass, particularly 0.075 to 10% by mass is more preferable from the viewpoint of production load and product quality.
The residual ratio of caffeine and gallic acid is based on the tea extract used as a raw material.

  Thus, according to the production method of the present invention, not only can a purified tea extract containing a high concentration of non-polymer catechins be recovered in a high yield, but also a non-polymer before and after purification. Contaminants such as (D) caffeine and (E) gallic acid can be reduced while suppressing changes in the composition of catechins.

  The purified tea extract of the present invention is not only improved in sourness, bitterness, miscellaneous taste, and savory taste, but also can be used in a wide range of applications because coloring is also suppressed. For example, the purified tea extract of the present invention can be used as it is, or after diluting or concentrating and blending into foods or beverages. Moreover, when powder is desirable as the product form of the purified tea extract, it can be pulverized by a known method such as spray drying or freeze drying.

The packaged beverage of the present invention can be a tea beverage or a non-tea beverage. Specific examples of the non-tea beverage include acidic beverages, sports beverages, and isotonic beverages containing sweeteners and / or fruit flavors. In the case of a sports drink or isotonic drink, it is preferable to contain sodium ions and / or potassium ions.
The packaged beverages of the present invention include antioxidants, various esters, inorganic salts, pigments, emulsifiers, preservatives, seasonings, sweeteners, acidulants, gums, emulsifiers, oils, vitamins, amino acids, vegetables Additives such as extracts, nectar extracts, bitter and astringent taste inhibitors, pH adjusters and quality stabilizers can be used alone or in combination.
The pH (25 ° C.) of the packaged beverage of the present invention is preferably 2 to 7, and preferably 2 to 6.5 from the viewpoints of taste and stability of non-polymer catechins.

  Moreover, the container-packed drink of this invention is manufactured on the sterilization conditions prescribed | regulated to the food hygiene law, for example, when it can heat-sterilize after filling a container like a metal can. For PET bottles and paper containers that cannot be sterilized by retort, sterilize under the same conditions as above, for example, after sterilizing at high temperature and short time with a plate heat exchanger, etc. The method is adopted. Moreover, you may mix | blend another component with the filled container under aseptic conditions.

[Measurement of non-polymer catechins, caffeine and gallic acid]
The sample was filtered with a filter (0.45 μm), and a packed column (L-column TM ODS, 4.6 mmφ × 250 mm) for octadecyl group-introduced liquid chromatograph using a high performance liquid chromatograph (model SCL-10AVP, manufactured by Shimadzu Corporation). : Manufactured by the Chemical Substance Evaluation Research Organization) and analyzed by a gradient method at a column temperature of 35 ° C. The mobile phase A solution was a distilled aqueous solution containing 0.1 mol / L acetic acid, the B solution was an acetonitrile solution containing 0.1 mol / L acetic acid, the sample injection amount was 10 μL, and the UV detector wavelength was 280 nm. .

[Measurement of particle size]
A laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer (LS 13 320, BECKMAN COULTER) was used to measure the particle size of the synthetic adsorbent. Then, a particle distribution was created on the basis of the number by this apparatus, and the median diameter (d ₅₀ ), maximum particle diameter (d _max ), and minimum particle diameter (d _min ) were obtained.

[Evaluation of flavor]
The purified green tea extract obtained in each Example and Reference Example was diluted with ion-exchanged water so that the non-polymer catechin content was 0.175% by mass, and 40 mL thereof was put into a 50 mL pressure-resistant glass container. It was. Thereto was added 0.1% by mass of sodium ascorbate, the pH was adjusted to 6.4 with a 5% by mass aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, nitrogen substitution was performed, and the mixture was sterilized by heating at 121 ° C. for 10 minutes in an autoclave. Thereafter, the evaluation standards of sourness, bitterness, miscellaneous taste, and egg taste were evaluated by the following 6 panelists. Thereafter, final scores were determined by consultation for sourness, bitterness, miscellaneous taste, and egg taste.

(Evaluation criteria for acidity)
Score 5: Low acidity 4: Slightly low acidity 3: Slightly high acidity 2: High acidity 1: Very high acidity

(Evaluation of bitterness by quinine sulfate method)
Using the bitterness standard solution concentration shown in Table 1 as an index, the bitterness reduction level was subjected to a sensory test by six panelists, and the average score was determined based on the criteria in Table 2. In addition, the bitterness intensity | strength shown in Table 1 means that a bitterness becomes so strong that a numerical value is large.

(Evaluation criteria for miscellaneous taste)
Score 5: Low miscellaneous taste 4: Slightly mischievous 3: Little miscellaneous taste 2: High miscellaneous taste 1: Very rich miscellaneous taste

(Evaluation criteria for taste)
Score 5: Slightly less taste 4: Slightly less taste 3: Slightly more taste 2: Slight taste 1: Much taste

[Evaluation of productivity]
The amount of the organic solvent aqueous solution used for the non-polymer catechins and the recovery rate of the non-polymer catechins in the elution process of each example and reference example were evaluated according to the following criteria.

(Evaluation criteria for the amount of organic solvent aqueous solution used for non-polymer catechins)
Score 8: More than 0 and 0.11 or less [L / g]
6: More than 0.11 and 0.16 or less [L / g]
4: More than 0.16 and less than 0.20 [L / g]
2: More than 0.20 and less than 0.30 [L / g]
0: More than 0.30 and 1.0 or less [L / g]

(Evaluation criteria for recovery rate of non-polymer catechins)
Score 7: Over 88 100 [%]
5: More than 80 and less than 88 [%]
3: More than 75 and 80 or less [%]
1: More than 70 and 75 or less [%]
0: More than 0 and 70 or less [%]

Example 1
45 kg of hot water at 88 ° C. was added to 3 kg of green tea leaves (produced from Kenya, large leaf type), and the mixture was subjected to batch extraction with stirring for 60 minutes, followed by coarse filtration with a 100 mesh wire net. Subsequently, a centrifugal separation operation was performed to remove fine powder in the extract, and 37.2 kg (pH 5.4) of “green tea extract (1)” was obtained. The concentration of non-polymer catechins in the obtained green tea extract (1) was 1.03% by mass, the gallate content in the green tea extract (1) was 52.5% by mass, and the caffeine content was 0.182. It was mass%.
Next, this green tea extract (1) is maintained at a temperature of 15 ° C., and tannase (Kikkoman, Tannase KTFH, 500 U / g) is added at a concentration of 430 ppm with respect to the green tea extract (1) for 55 minutes. Retained. Next, when the gallate body ratio reached 30.5% by mass, the solution was heated to 90 ° C. and held for 2 minutes to deactivate the enzyme, thereby stopping the reaction (pH 4.9). Next, it was concentrated at 70 ° C. and 6.7 kpa under reduced pressure to a Brix concentration of 20%, and further spray-dried to obtain 0.9 kg of powdered “tannase-treated green tea extract (1)”. It was. The green tea extract (1) thus obtained had a non-polymer catechin concentration of 28.7% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 32.3% by mass, and a gallo-form in the non-polymer catechins. The rate was 77.3 mass%, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.18, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.128.
Next, 285 g of “tannase-treated green tea extract (1)” was dissolved in 8550 g of ion-exchanged water with stirring at 25 ° C. for 30 minutes (tannase-treated solution (1)).

Next, the bag of the synthetic adsorbent SP-70 (manufactured by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) was opened, and the synthetic adsorbent was evenly dispersed in a flat container, followed by natural drying for 2 days. Next, the collected material under the 425 μm sieve was passed through a 180 μm sieve, and only the particles on the 180 μm sieve were collected. The recovered synthetic adsorbent had an average particle diameter (d ₅₀ ) of 332.7 μm, a difference between the maximum particle diameter and the minimum particle diameter (Δd) of 216 μm, and d ₅₀ / Δd of 1.54.
Next, 55 mL of the collected synthetic adsorbent was packed into a stainless steel column (inner diameter 22 mm × height 145 mm, volume 55 mL). Next, after passing through a 92 mass% aqueous ethanol solution having a liquid flow rate of SV = 1.5 (h ^-1 ) and a liquid flow rate of 10 times the total volume of the synthetic adsorbent, the liquid flow rate was SV. = 1.5 (h ^-1 ), and the washing ratio was 10 times by volume with respect to the total volume of the synthetic adsorbent. Next, 220 g of tannase treatment liquid (1) (4 times volume to synthetic adsorbent) was passed through the column at a liquid feeding speed SV = 1.0 (h ⁻¹ ), and the permeate was discarded. Next, the liquid flow rate was SV = 1.0 (h ⁻¹ ), and the liquid flow rate was 1.5 times the volume of water with respect to the total capacity of the synthetic adsorbent and washed.

After washing with water, the elution rate is SV = 1.0 (h ^-1 ), and the elution rate is 0.98 times volume of 50% by mass ethanol aqueous solution with respect to the total capacity of the synthetic adsorbent. 51.7 g of liquid was recovered.
Subsequently, the eluate was concentrated under reduced pressure to remove ethanol to obtain 23.9 g of a purified green tea extract. This purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 33.6% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 80. 0% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins of 0.122, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins of 0.0060, change in gallate ratio of non-polymer catechins before and after purification (Δ gallate ratio ) Was +1.3 mass%, and the amount of change in the gallo form of non-polymer catechins before and after purification (Δ gallo form ratio) was +2.7 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 94.0%, the residual rate of caffeine was 61.0%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 3.8%.

Example 2
The tannase treatment solution (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used as a raw material. The analytical value of each component is that the non-polymer catechin concentration is 28.8% by mass, the gallate content in the non-polymer catechins is 32.4% by mass, and the gallo-form rate in the non-polymer catechins is 77.%. 3 mass%, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.18, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.128.

  Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the amount of the synthetic adsorbent used and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 3. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 32.2% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 79.2% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins of 0.135, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins of 0.0040, Δ gallate body ratio of −0.2% by mass, and Δ gallo body ratio of +1 It was 9 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 94.0%, the residual rate of caffeine was 60.3%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 2.5%.

Example 3
As a raw material, a mixed solution of green tea extract (1) and tannase treatment liquid (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used. The analytical value of each component is that the non-polymer catechin concentration is 32.0% by mass, the gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 35.7% by mass, and the gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 79.%. 0% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.177, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.086.

  Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 3. The resulting purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate fraction in the non-polymer catechins of 35.0% by mass, and a gallo-form fraction in the non-polymer catechins. 80.3% by mass, 0.13 for caffeine / non-polymer catechins, 0.0010 for gallic acid / non-polymer catechins, -0.7 mass% for Δ gallate body rate, +1 for Δ gallo body rate It was 3 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 97.0%, the residual rate of caffeine was 72.5%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0.90%.

Example 4
As a raw material, a mixed solution of green tea extract (1) and tannase treatment liquid (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used. The analysis value of each component was the same as in Example 3. Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 3. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 34.0% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 81.4% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0.112, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0.0011, Δ gallate body ratio is −1.7 mass%, and Δ gallo body ratio is +2. It was 4% by mass. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 95.0%, the residual rate of caffeine was 60.0%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0.84%.

Example 5
The tannase treatment solution (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used as a raw material. The analytical value of each component is that the non-polymer catechin concentration is 32.0% by mass, the gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 32.3 mass%, and the gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 77.%. 3% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.181, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.128.

  Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 3. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 31.0% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 79.6% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins of 0.133, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins of 0.0010, Δ gallate body ratio of −1.3% by mass, and Δ gallo body ratio of +2 It was 3 mass%. Further, the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 93.9%, the residual rate of caffeine was 64.1%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0.70%.

Example 6
The tannase treatment solution (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used as a raw material. The analysis value was the same as in Example 5. Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 3. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 31.9% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 78.4% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0.122, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0.0024, Δ gallate body ratio is −0.4% by mass, and Δ gallo body ratio is +1. It was 1 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 93.9%, the residual rate of caffeine was 62.0%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 1.62%.

Example 7
The tannase treatment solution (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used as a raw material. The analytical value of each component is that the non-polymer catechins concentration is 28.8% by mass, the gallate fraction in the non-polymer catechins is 33.0% by mass, and the gallo-form fraction in the non-polymer catechins is 77.%. 3 mass%, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.179, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.127.

  Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 3. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 35.4% by mass, and a gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 76.3 mass%, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0.129, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0.0001, Δ gallate body ratio is +2.4 mass%, and Δ gallo body ratio is − It was 1.0 mass%. Further, the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 94.0%, the residual rate of caffeine was 62.0%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0.09%.

Reference example 1
As a raw material, a mixed solution of green tea extract (1) and tannase treatment liquid (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used. The analytical value of each component is that the non-polymer catechin concentration is 32.4% by mass, the gallate content in the non-polymer catechins is 35.4% by mass, and the gallo-form content in the non-polymer catechins is 77.%. 5% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.176, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.107.

  Then, using a synthetic adsorbent that has not been adjusted in particle size, the purified green tea extraction was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount used and the conditions for passing through the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 4. I got a thing. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 37.2% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 76.9% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0.123, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0.002, Δ gallate body rate is + 1.8% by mass, Δ gallo body rate is −0 It was 6 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 87.8%, the residual rate of caffeine was 61.7%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 1.3%.

Reference example 2
As a raw material, a mixed solution of green tea extract (1) and tannase treatment liquid (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used. The analytical value of each component is that the non-polymer catechin concentration is 31.3 mass%, the gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechin is 31.3 mass%, and the gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechin is 78. 3% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.174, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.125.

  Then, using a synthetic adsorbent that has not been adjusted in particle size, the purified green tea extraction was carried out in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the amount used and the conditions for passing through the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 4. I got a thing. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 35.8% by mass, and a gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 74.9% by mass, 0.14 for caffeine / non-polymer catechins, 0.001 for gallic acid / non-polymer catechins, + 4.5% by mass for Δ gallate body, and −3 for Δ gallo body It was 4% by mass. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 68.3%, the residual rate of caffeine was 57.4%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0.69%.

Reference example 3
1,200 g of green tea produced by the steaming method was extracted with 24,000 g of ion-exchanged water at 95 ° C. for 10 minutes and cooled. After squeezing, it was filtered through a wire mesh to obtain 18,810 g of green tea extract (2) having a pH of 5.57. The concentration of the non-polymer catechins in the green tea extract (2) is 712 mg / 100 mL, 133.9 g of the non-polymer catechins are contained, and the gallate content in the non-polymer catechins is 70.2% by mass. The percentage of gallium in the non-polymer catechins was 70.0% by mass. The caffeine concentration was 88.3 mg / 100 mL, 16.6 g of caffeine was contained, and the ratio of caffeine / non-polymer catechins was 0.124. The gallic acid concentration was 0.47 mg / 100 mL and contained 0.89 g of gallic acid.

  Next, the whole amount of the obtained green tea extract (2) was put into a stainless steel container, and tannase (Kikkoman, Tannase KTFH, Industrial Grade, 500 U / 500 g) in 16 g of ion-exchanged water under stirring conditions of 21 ° C. and 150 rpm. g or more) 4.0 g (3.0% by mass with respect to non-polymer catechins) dissolved therein was added. The enzymatic reaction was terminated when the pH dropped to 4.98 after 40 minutes. Next, the solution was passed through a SUS holding tube immersed in a warm bath at 95 ° C. at 1.2 L / min, and the recovered solution was held at 90 ° C. for 10 minutes to completely deactivate the enzyme activity. Next, the mixture was cooled to 25 ° C. and centrifuged to obtain 22,160 g of “tannase-treated green tea extract” (tannase-treated liquid (2)). The obtained green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 33.9% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 60.6% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 71. 2% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.126, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.0637.

Next, a stainless steel column (inner diameter: 72.3 mm × height: 1,600 mm, volume: 5,745 mL) was filled with 5,192 mL of synthetic adsorbent Sepabead SP-207 (Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation) that had not been adjusted in particle size. Then, washing was performed with 25,960 mL of 92 mass% ethanol aqueous solution at SV = 6.9 (h ⁻¹ ), and then with 25,960 mL water at SV = 6.9 (h ⁻¹ ). Thereafter, the entire amount of tannase treatment liquid (2) obtained (4.3 times volume to synthetic adsorbent) was passed at SV = 4.6 (h ⁻¹ ), and the passing liquid was discarded. The passing liquid contained 0.7 g of non-polymer catechins and 4.8 g of gallic acid, and most of the non-polymer catechins were adsorbed on the synthetic adsorbent.
It was then washed with 20,760 mL (4 volumes vs. synthetic adsorbent) of water at SV = 6.9 (h ⁻¹ ). The washing solution contained 0.7 g of non-polymer catechins and 3.1 g of gallic acid, and there was almost no elution of non-polymer catechins.
After washing with water, 25,960 mL of a 92 mass% ethanol aqueous solution was passed through SV = 4.6 (h ⁻¹ ) (5 times volume vs. synthetic adsorbent). After 3,000 mL of residual water in the column was cut off, 22,158 g of the eluate was collected and concentrated under reduced pressure to remove ethanol to obtain a purified green tea extract. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 57.3% by mass, and a gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 72.5% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0.102, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0.0012, Δ gallate body ratio is −3.3 mass%, and Δ gallo body ratio is +1. It was 3 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (2) was 86.0%, the residual rate of caffeine was 73.2%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 1.7%.

  As is apparent from Tables 3 and 4, the non-polymer catechin is reduced while reducing the amount of organic solvent used by adsorbing the tea extract to a synthetic adsorbent having specific properties and then eluting it with an organic solvent aqueous solution. Can be recovered in high yield and efficiently, and contamination of gallic acid, caffeine, etc. is suppressed while suppressing the change in composition of non-polymer catechins before and after purification without the need for conventionally known purification means. It was confirmed that a refined tea extract with good taste can be obtained by reducing the amount of food.

Example 8
The tannase treatment solution (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used as a raw material. The analysis value of each component was the same as in Example 2. Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 5. The resulting purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 28.1% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 82.0% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins of 0.054, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins of 0.0041, Δ gallate body ratio of −4.3 mass%, and Δ gallo body ratio of +4 0.7% by mass. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 89.1%, the residual rate of caffeine was 23.0%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 2.43%.

Example 9
The tannase treatment solution (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used as a raw material. The analytical value of each component is that the non-polymer catechin concentration is 28.5 mass%, the gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 32.3 mass%, and the gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 77. mass%. 3% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.18, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.127.

  Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 5. The resulting purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 28.1% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 82.3% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins of 0.031, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins of 0.0070, Δ gallate body ratio of −4.2 mass%, and Δ gallo body ratio of +5 It was 0.0 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 89.8%, the residual rate of caffeine was 14.2%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 4.2%.

Example 10
As a raw material, a mixed solution of green tea extract (1) and tannase treatment liquid (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used. The analysis value of each component was the same as in Example 4. Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 5. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 32.3% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 82.9% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0.0045, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0.0027, Δ gallate body ratio is −3.4 mass%, and Δ gallo body ratio is +3. It was 9 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 91.0%, the residual rate of caffeine was 23.0%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0.76%.

Example 11
The tannase treatment solution (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used as a raw material. The analysis value of each component was the same as in Example 5. Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 5. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 27.5% by mass, and a gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 82.2% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins of 0.053, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins of 0.0026, Δ gallate body ratio of −4.8% by mass, and Δ gallo body ratio of +4 It was 9 mass%. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 88.7%, the residual rate of caffeine was 24.0%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0.67%.

Reference example 4
45 kg of hot water at 88 ° C. was added to 3 kg of green tea leaves (produced from Kenya, large leaf type), and the mixture was subjected to batch extraction with stirring for 60 minutes, followed by coarse filtration with a 100 mesh wire net. Subsequently, a centrifugal separation operation was performed to remove fine powder in the extract to obtain 37.2 kg (pH 5.4) of “green tea extract (3)” (non-polymer catechin in the green tea extract (2)) Concentration concentration = 0.89 mass%, percentage of gallate body in green tea extract (3) = 52.3 mass%, caffeine 0.17 mass%). This green tea extract (3) is kept at a temperature of 15 ° C., tannase (manufactured by Kikkoman Corporation, tannase KTFH, 500 U / g) is added at a concentration of 430 ppm with respect to the green tea extract (3) and held for 55 minutes. When the gallate body ratio reached 30.5% by mass, the solution was heated to 90 ° C. and held for 2 minutes to inactivate the enzyme to stop the reaction (pH 5.1). Next, under a condition of 70 ° C. and 6.7 kpa, concentration treatment is performed under reduced pressure to a Brix concentration of 20%, and spray drying is performed to obtain 0.9 kg of powdered “tannase-treated green tea extract (3)”. It was. The obtained green tea extract (3) has a non-polymer catechin content of 27.8% by mass, a non-polymer catechin gallate ratio of 30.3% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 77.9% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.242, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.129. 285 g of “Tannase-treated green tea extract (3)” was dissolved in 8550 g of ion-exchanged water with stirring at 25 ° C. for 30 minutes.

  Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 5. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate content in the non-polymer catechins of 27.4% by mass, and a gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 79.9% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins of 0.147, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins of 0.0039, Δ gallate body ratio of −2.9% by mass, and Δ gallo body ratio of +2 It was 0.0 mass%. Further, the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (3) was 81.2%, the residual rate of caffeine was 49.3%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 2.5%.

Reference Example 5
As a raw material, a tannase treatment solution (2) obtained by the same method as in Reference Example 3 was used. The analysis value of each component was the same as in Reference Example 3. Next, a purified green tea extract was obtained by the same operation as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the liquid passing conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 5. The obtained purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 8.0% by mass, a gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 51.2% by mass, and a gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins. 76.9% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0.038, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0.0014, Δ gallate body ratio is −9.4% by mass, and Δ gallo body ratio is +5. 0.7% by mass. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (2) was 73.6%, the residual rate of caffeine was 23.7%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 1.7%.

  As is apparent from Table 5, after the tea extract is adsorbed on a synthetic adsorbent having specific properties and then eluted with an organic solvent aqueous solution, non-polymer catechins can be reduced while reducing the amount of organic solvent used. It is possible to efficiently recover high yield, and without the need for conventionally known purification means, it is possible to remove impurities such as gallic acid and caffeine while suppressing the composition change of non-polymer catechins before and after purification. It was confirmed that a purified tea extract having a reduced taste and good taste can be obtained.

Example 12
As a raw material, a mixed solution of green tea extract (1) and tannase treatment liquid (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used. The analytical value of each component is that the non-polymer catechin concentration is 0.95% by mass, the gallate ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 38.0% by mass, and the gallo-form ratio in the non-polymer catechins is 77.%. 3% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins were 0.188, and gallic acid / non-polymer catechins were 0.076.
Next, 2125 g of eluate (ethanol concentration: 19.6 mass) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1 except that the type and amount of the synthetic adsorbent and the flow conditions in the elution step were changed to those shown in Table 6. %, Non-polymer catechin concentration was 1.80% by mass).
Next, 727 mL of a 92 mass% ethanol aqueous solution (the amount of the organic solvent aqueous solution used relative to the non-polymer catechins was 0.019 L / g) was added to the eluate to add an “elution diluent” (ethanol concentration 35.8 mass% Non-polymer catechins concentration was 1.34% by mass).
Subsequently, a stainless steel column (diameter: 2.2 cm) packed with 5.5 g of activated carbon (SGP: manufactured by Phutamura Chemical (average pore diameter 4.4 nm, pore volume 1.08 mL / g, specific surface area 1050 m ² / g)). , Length: 10.5 cm, volume: 39.9 mL) at a flow rate of SV = 1.9 (h ⁻¹ ), 517 g of an elution diluent was passed through to collect “treatment liquid 1”. Next, 39.9 mL of ion-exchanged water is passed through the stainless steel column under the same conditions as the “elution dilution liquid” to recover “processing liquid 2”. From “processing liquid 1” and “processing liquid 2”, A “mixed solution” was prepared.
Next, the “mixed solution” was concentrated under reduced pressure to remove ethanol, and 81 g of purified green tea extract was obtained. This purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 7.3% by mass, a gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 33.8% by mass, and a gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 80. 5% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0.017, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0, and the amount of change in the gallate body ratio of non-polymer catechins before and after purification (Δ gallate body ratio) is The amount of change in the gallo form of the non-polymer catechins before and after purification (Δ gallo body ratio) was + 3.2% by mass. Further, the recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 80.0%, the residual rate of caffeine was 5.9%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0%.

Example 13
As a raw material, a mixed solution of green tea extract (1) and tannase treatment liquid (1) obtained by the same method as in Example 1 was used. The analysis value of each component was the same as in Example 12. Next, after performing adsorption, washing, and elution steps under the same conditions as in Example 12 to obtain an eluate, an “elution diluent” was prepared by the same operation.
Next, the flow rate SV = 1.6 (h) through a stainless steel column (diameter: 2.2 cm, length: 12.0 cm, volume: 45.6 mL) packed with 6.3 g of activated carbon (SGP: manufactured by Phutamura Chemical). was recovered "treatment liquid 1" was passed through the elution diluent 480g ^-1). Next, 45.6 mL of ion-exchanged water is passed through the stainless steel column under the same conditions as the “elution dilution liquid” to recover “processing liquid 2”. From “processing liquid 1” and “processing liquid 2”, A “mixed solution” was prepared.
Next, the “mixed solution” was concentrated under reduced pressure to remove ethanol, and 67 g of purified green tea extract was obtained. This purified green tea extract has a non-polymer catechin concentration of 7.6% by mass, a gallate body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 33.1% by mass, and a gallo-body ratio in the non-polymer catechins of 80. 8% by mass, caffeine / non-polymer catechins are 0, gallic acid / non-polymer catechins are 0, and change amount of gallate body ratio (Δ gallate body ratio) of non-polymer catechins before and after purification is −4 The amount of change in the gallo form of the non-polymer catechins before and after purification (Δ gallo body ratio) was + 3.5% by mass. The recovery rate of non-polymer catechins from the green tea extract (1) was 75.3%, the residual rate of caffeine was 0%, and the residual rate of gallic acid was 0%.

  As is clear from Table 6, the tea extract was adsorbed on a synthetic adsorbent having specific properties and eluted with an organic solvent aqueous solution, and the resulting eluate was treated with activated carbon to thereby obtain non-polymer catechins before and after purification. It was confirmed that impurities such as gallic acid and caffeine can be remarkably reduced while suppressing a change in the composition of the fruit, and a refined tea extract with even better taste can be efficiently recovered.

Example 13
Using the purified green tea extract obtained in Example 1, a packaged beverage shown in Table 7 was prepared. A sterilization treatment and hot pack filling based on the Food Sanitation Law were performed to obtain a packaged beverage. Subsequently, after storing the obtained container-packed drink at 37 degreeC for 30 days, the external appearance was observed visually and the taste was confirmed. The container-packed beverage had good appearance and taste even after long-term storage, and was excellent in stability.

Claims (12)

An adsorption step of bringing the tea extract into contact with a synthetic adsorbent having a fine and / or uniform particle size to adsorb non-polymer catechins contained in the tea extract onto the synthetic adsorbent;
A method for producing a purified tea extract, comprising an elution step in which an organic solvent aqueous solution is brought into contact with a synthetic adsorbent to elute non-polymer catechins. As the synthetic adsorbent, the average particle diameter (d ₅₀₎ is used as a 100 to 500 [mu] m, method according to claim 1, wherein.   The production method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a synthetic adsorbent having a difference (Δd) between a maximum particle size and a minimum particle size of 30 to 600 µm is used. A synthetic adsorbent having an average particle size (d ₅₀ ) and a ratio (d ₅₀ / Δd) of a difference between the maximum particle size and the minimum particle size (Δd) of 0.65 or more is used. 4. The production method according to any one of 3 above.   The synthetic adsorbent is used in an amount such that the ratio of the total mass of non-polymer catechins in the tea extract to the total capacity of the synthetic adsorbent is 20 to 60 (g / L). The manufacturing method of any one of Claims.   The manufacturing method of any one of Claims 1-5 using ethanol aqueous solution as organic solvent aqueous solution.   The production method according to claim 6, wherein an ethanol aqueous solution having an ethanol concentration of 10 to 70% by mass is used.   The manufacturing method of any one of Claims 1-7 using 0.01-0.3 (L / g) of organic-solvent aqueous solution with respect to the total mass of non-polymer catechin.   A washing step of washing the synthetic adsorbent by passing 1 to 3 (L / L) of water or an organic solvent aqueous solution with respect to the total volume of the synthetic adsorbent after the adsorption step and before the elution step. The manufacturing method of any one of 1-8.   The manufacturing method of any one of Claims 1-9 which has a process which makes an eluate contact activated carbon after an elution process.   The manufacturing method of any one of Claims 1-10 using what hydrolyzed as a tea extract.   The refined tea extract obtained by the manufacturing method of any one of Claims 1-11.