POWDER COMPOSITION

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a powder composition having an excellent ability to retain fragrance components derived from tea leaves. In a powder composition comprising a tea leaf extract, a dextrin is added to adjust the molecular weight distribution of the composition such that the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 falls within the range of from 0.5 to 10%.

Claims

1. A powder composition comprising a tea leaf extract and a dextrin, wherein the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 in the molecular weight distribution of the composition is in the range of from 0.5 to 10%.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000 in the molecular weight distribution is in the range of from 0.2 to 5%.

3. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the percentage (b) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000 but less than 350,000 in the molecular weight distribution relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 in the molecular weight distribution ((b)/(a)) is not less than 0.3.

4. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the percentage (c) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 but less than 400,000 in the molecular weight distribution relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 in the molecular weight distribution ((c)/(a)) is not less than 0.1.

5. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the dextrin comprises a linear dextrin and a cyclic dextrin.

6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein the dextrin further comprises a spiral dextrin.

7. Use of a dextrin for enhancing the ability of a powder composition comprising a tea leaf extract to retain fragrance components derived from tea leaves, wherein the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 in the molecular weight distribution of the dextrin is not less than 10%.

8. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of the percentage (b) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000 but less than 350,000 in the molecular weight distribution relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 in the molecular weight distribution ((b)/(a)) is not less than 0.3.

9. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the ratio of the percentage (c) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 but less than 400,000 in the molecular weight distribution relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 in the molecular weight distribution ((c)/(a)) is not less than 0.1.

10. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the ratio of the percentage (c) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 but less than 400,000 in the molecular weight distribution relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 in the molecular weight distribution ((c)/(a)) is not less than 0.1.

11. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the dextrin comprises a linear dextrin and a cyclic dextrin.

12. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the dextrin comprises a linear dextrin and a cyclic dextrin.

13. The composition according to claim 4, wherein the dextrin comprises a linear dextrin and a cyclic dextrin.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0022] FIG. 1 depicts a graph showing the percent retentions of fragrance components derived from tea leaves in different samples during a period from before to after spray-drying. In this graph, the y axis represents different samples, and the x axis represents percent retention of fragrance components.

[0023] FIG. 2 depicts a graph showing the molecular weight distributions of different samples and linear dextrin B. In this graph, the y axis represents molecular weight, and the x axis represents the percentage (%) of each molecular weight fraction relative to the total.

[0024] FIG. 2 depicts a graph showing the molecular weight distributions of different samples and linear dextrin B. In this graph, the y axis represents molecular weight, and the x axis represents the percentage (%) of each molecular weight fraction relative to the total.

[0025] FIG. 2 depicts a graph showing the molecular weight distributions of different samples and linear dextrin B. In this graph, the y axis represents molecular weight, and the x axis represents the percentage (%) of each molecular weight fraction relative to the total.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereunder, the powder composition of the present invention will be described. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “ppm”, “ppb” and “wt. %” as used herein refer respectively to ppm, ppb, and wt. % on a weight/weight (w/w) basis.

[0027] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a powder composition comprising a tea leaf extract and a dextrin, wherein the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 in the molecular weight distribution of the composition is in the range of from 0.5 to 10%. By adopting the aforementioned composition profile, the ability of the powder composition to retain fragrance components derived from tea leaves can be enhanced.

[0028] The powder composition of the present invention comprises a tea leaf extract. As referred to herein, the term “tea leaf extract” refers to components extracted from tea leaves. The tea leaves that can be used in the present invention are leaves obtained from plants belonging to the family Theaceae, genus Camella (e.g., Camellia sinensis (L) O. Kuntze). The tea leaves used in this invention can be classified into non-fermented tea leaves, semi-fermented tea leaves, and fermented tea leaves depending on the method of processing. Examples of non-fermented tea leaves include, but are not limited to, green tea leaves, such as Aracha (crude tea), Sencha (brewed green tea), Gyokuro (refined green tea), Kabuse-cha (shaded green tea), Tencha (non-ground tea leaves used for Matcha), Bancha (coarse green tea), Houji-cha (roasted green tea), Kamairi-cha (pot-roasted green tea), Kukicha (twig tea), Bocha (roasted twig tea), and Mecha (bud tea). Examples of semi-fermented tea leaves include, but are not limited to, oolong tea leaves, such as Tieguanyin (Tekkanon), Sezhong (Shikishu), Huangjin Gui (Ougonkei), and Wuyi tea (Buigan tea). Examples of fermented tea leaves include, but are not limited to, black tea leaves, such as Darjeeling, Assam, and Sri Lanka. In this invention, one type of tea leaves may be used alone, or two or more types of tea leaves may be used in a blended form. Any parts of plants, such as leaves and stems, can be used, as appropriate, to make tea without particular limitation as long as they are plant parts from which fragrance components can be extracted. Tea leaves can be used in any shapes, without limitation, such as whole or powdered leaf. The tea leaves used in this invention are not particularly limited, but green tea leaves are preferably used.

[0029] The powder composition of the present invention comprises a dextrin. The term “dextrin” is a generic term for carbohydrates produced by the hydrolysis of starch or glycogen. In this invention, the dextrin can be used as an excipient to form a powder composition. The molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of this invention can be adjusted depending on the weight average molecular weight of a dextrin to be used and its content in the composition. The dextrin content in the powder composition of this invention is not particularly limited, and is in the range of, for example, from 10 to 70 wt. %, preferably from 20 to 65 wt. %, more preferably from 30 to 60 wt. %. In this invention, a commercially available dextrin product can be used. The dextrin content in the powder composition can be measured by sugar analysis using a method known to skilled artisans.

[0030] In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of the present invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 is in the range of from 0.5 to 10%. It is considered that when molecules with such a large molecular weight are present at a specified percentage, the ability of the powder composition to retain fragrance components derived from tea leaves can be enhanced. On the other hand, when the percentage of molecules with such a large molecular weight is too high, e.g., the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250.000 exceeds 10%, the composition before powdering tends to become too viscous to be treated for drying, thereby making it difficult to obtain powder. In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of this invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 is in the range of preferably from 1 to 7%, more preferably 1 to 5%.

[0031] In the present invention, the distribution of molecular weight fractions in the powder composition can be investigated using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis. To be specific, the distribution of molecular weight fractions in the powder composition can be investigated under the conditions detailed below.

[0032] System: [0033] Sampling injector: 231 XL (produced by Gilson) [0034] Pump: 305 (produced by Gilson) [0035] Column oven: CTO-10AS VP (produced by Shimadzu Corporation) [0036] Detector: RID-10A (produced by Shimadzu Corporation)

[0037] Columns: Connected in series in the following order: [0038] [Pump].fwdarw.TSKgel Guard Column PWXL (6.0 mm I.D.×4 cm) (produced by Tosob Bioscience).fwdarw.TSKgel G4000PWXL (particle size: 10 μm, 7.8 mm I.D.×30 cm) (produced by Tosoh Bioscience).fwdarw.TSKgel G3000PWXL (particle size 7 μm, 7.8 nn I.D.×30 cm) (produced by Tosob Bioscience).fwdarw.[Detector] [0039] Analytical data system: LabSolutions (produced by Shimadzu Corporation) [0040] Flow rate: 1 mL/min. [0041] Injection volume: 50 μL [0042] Mobile phase: 0.1 mol/L sodium nitrate solution [0043] Column temperature: 50° C.

[0044] Analysis samples can be prepared by following the procedure described later in the Examples section. Also, the percentages of different molecular weight fractions in the molecular weight distribution can be determined by following the procedure described later in the Examples section. To be specific, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction can be determined by calculating the percentage of a peak area of interest relative to the total value of all peak areas obtained (total peak area).

[0045] The percentages of different sub-fractions of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 in the powder composition of the present invention are not particularly limited, but within the molecular weight range of not less than 250,000 but less than 500.000, it is preferred that a higher molecular weight sub-fraction should be present at a smaller percentage. In other words, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000 but less than 350,000 is preferably smaller than that of a molecular weight friction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300.000; the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 but less than 400.000 is preferably smaller than that of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000 but less than 350,000: the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 400,000 but less than 450,000 is preferably smaller than that of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 but less than 400,000: and the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 450,000 but less than 500,000 is preferably smaller than that of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 400,000 but less than 450,000.

[0046] The percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 is in the range of, for example, from 0.3 to 2%, preferably from 0.3 to 1.5%, more preferably from 0.3 to 1.2%. The percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000 but less than 350,000 is in the range of, for example, from 0.1 to 1.2%, preferably from 0.2 to 1%, more preferably from 0.2 to 0.8%. The percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 but less than 400,000 is in the range of, for example, from 0.1 to 0.8%, preferably from 0.1 to 0.7%, more preferably from 0.1 to 0.5%. The percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 400,000 but less than 450.000 is in the range of, for example, from 0.05 to 0.5%, preferably from 0.05 to 0.4%, more preferably from 0.1 to 0.4%. The percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 450,000 but less than 500,000 is in the range of, for example, from 0.04 to 0.4%, preferably from 0.05 to 0.3%, more preferably from 0.07 to 0.3%.

[0047] In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of the present invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300.000 is not particularly limited, and is in the range of, for example, from 0.2 to 5%, preferably from 0.3 to 3%, more preferably from 0.5 to 2%. In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of this invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 is not particularly limited, and is in the range of, for example, from 0.2 to 2.5%, preferably from 0.3 to 2%, more preferably from 0.4 to 1.5%. In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of this invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 400,000 is not particularly limited, and is in the range of, for example, from 0.2 to 1.5%, preferably from 0.3 to 1.2%, more preferably from 0.3 to 1%.

[0048] In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of the present invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of less than 250,000 is not particularly limited. In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of this invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of less than 3,000 is, for example, not less than 35%, preferably not less than 40%, more preferably not less than 45%. In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of this invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 3,000 but less than 50,000 is in the range of, for example, from 15 to 30%, preferably from 17 to 27%, more preferably from 20 to 25%. In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of this invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 50,000 but less than 150,000 is in the range of, for example, from 2 to 25%, preferably from 5 to 22%, more preferably from 6.5 to 20%. In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of this invention, the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 150,000 but less than 250.000 is in the range of, for example, from 1 to 10%, preferably from 2 to 8%, more preferably from 3 to 5%.

[0049] In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of the present invention, the ratio of the percentage (b) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000 but less than 350,000 relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 ((b)/(a)) is not particularly limited, and is, for example, not less than 0.3. Said ratio ((b)/(a)) is in the range of preferably from 0.3 to 0.9, more preferably from 0.35 to 0.85, still more preferably from 0.4 to 0.8.

[0050] In the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition of the present invention, the ratio of the percentage (c) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 but less than 400,000 relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300.000 ((c)/(a)) is not particularly limited, and is, for example, not less than 0.1. Said ratio ((c)/(a)) is in the range of preferably from 0.1 to 0.9, more preferably from 0.15 to 0.7, still more preferably from 0.2 to 0.5.

[0051] As mentioned above, in the present invention, the molecular weight distribution of the powder composition can be adjusted depending on the type of a dextrin to be used, and the like. The dextrin used in this invention preferably comprises a linear dextrin and a cyclic dextrin. As referred to herein, the term “linear dextrin” refers to a dextrin that is composed of glucoses linked in a straight chain form or in the form of chains with branches and which does not form a ring structure or a spiral structure. Also, as referred to herein, the term “cyclic dextrin” refers to a dextrin that is composed of glucoses linked to form a cyclic structure and which does not form a spiral structure.

[0052] The type of the linear dextrin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof that can be used include linear dextrins with a DE (dextrose equivalent) of from 1 to 25, and linear dextrins with a weight average molecular weight of from 500 to 160.000. In the present invention, one type of linear dextrin may be used alone, or two or more types thereof may be used in combination. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, two types of linear dextrins are used. For example, in the case of using two types of linear dextrins, a combination of a linear dextrin with a DE of from 2 to 5 and a linear dextrin with a DE of from 16 to 20, or a combination of a linear dextrin with a weight average molecular weight of from 90,000 to 140,000 and a linear dextrin with a weight average molecular weight of from 600 to 1,200, can be used.

[0053] In the case of using a linear dextrin(s), the content of the linear dextrin(s) in the powder composition of the present invention is in the range of, for example, from 30 to 65 wt. %, preferably from 35 to 60 wt. %, more preferably from 40 to 55 wt %. When the two types of linear dextrins to be used are a linear dextrin with a DE of from 2 to 5 and a linear dextrin with a DE of from 16 to 20, the content of the linear dextrin with a DE of from 2 to 5 in the powder composition of this invention is in the range of, for example, from 5 to 45 wt. %, preferably from 15 to 40 wt. %, more preferably from 25 to 35 wt. %, and the content of the linear dextrin with a DE of from 16 to 20 in the powder composition of this invention is in the range of, for example, from 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably from 7 to 30 wt. %, more preferably from 10 to 20 wt. %. The ratio (weight ratio) of the content of the linear dextrin with a DE of from 2 to 5 to that of the linear dextrin with a DE of from 16 to 20 is in the range of, for example, from 4:1 to 1:5, preferably from 3:1 to 1:5, more preferably from 2:1 to 1:4.

[0054] When the two types of linear dextrins to be used are a linear dextrin with a weight average molecular weight of from 90,000 to 140,000 and a linear dextrin with a weight average molecular weight of from 600 to 1,200, the content of the linear dextrin with a weight average molecular weight of from 90,000 to 140,000 in the powder composition of the present invention is in the range of, for example, from 5 to 45 wt. %, preferably from 15 to 40 wt. %, more preferably from 25 to 35 wt. %, and the content of the linear dextrin with a weight average molecular weight of from 600 to 1,200 is in the range of, for example, from 5 to 40 wt. %, preferably from 7 to 30 wt. %, more preferably from 10 to 20 wt. %. The ratio (weight ratio) of the content of the linear dextrin with a weight average molecular weight of from 90,000 to 140,000 to that of the linear dextrin with a weight average molecular weight of from 600 to 1,200 is in the range of, for example, from 5:1 to 1:3, preferably from 3:1 to 1:2, more preferably from 2:1 to 1:1.

[0055] Examples of the cyclic dextrin that can be used include cyclodextrins. In the present invention, α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, and γ-cyclodextrin can all be used, with α-cyclodextrin being preferably used. The weight average molecular weight of the cyclic dextrin used in this invention is not particularly limited, and is in the range of, for example, from 700 to 1,300, preferably from 800 to 1,200, more preferably from 900 to 1,100. In the case of using a cyclic dextrin, the content of the cyclic dextrin in the powder composition of this invention is in the range of, for example, from 0.5 to 15 wt. %, preferably from 1 to 12 wt. %, more preferably from 3 to 10 wt. %.

[0056] In the case of using a linear dextrin and a cyclic dextrin in combination, the ratio (weight ratio) of the content of the linear dextrin to that of the cyclic dextrin is in the range of for example, from 20:1 to 2:1, preferably from 15:1 to 3:1, more preferably from 12:1 to 5:1.

[0057] Preferably, the dextrin used in the present invention further comprises a spiral dextrin. As referred to herein, the term “spiral dextrin” refers to a dextrin composed of glucoses linked to form a spiral structure. The DE value of the spiral dextrin used in this invention is not particularly limited and is, for example, less than 7, preferably less than 6, more preferably less than 5.

[0058] Examples of the spiral dextrin that can be used include Cluster Dextrin (produced by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.). In the case of using a spiral dextrin, the content of the spiral dextrin in the powder composition of the present invention is in the range of, for example, from 1 to 30 wt. %, preferably from 5 to 25 wt. %, more preferably from 10 to 20 wt. %. Further, in the case of using a spiral dextrin, the ratio (weight ratio) of that of a linear dextrin to the content of a spiral dextrin is in the range of, for example, from 1:3 to 3:1, preferably from 1:2 to 2:1, more preferably from 1:1.5 to 1.5:1.

[0059] Since the powder composition of the present invention comprises a tea leaf extract, the powder composition of this invention may comprise fragrance components derived from tea leaves. The types of such fragrance components are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include pentanal (valeraldehyde), 2-methylpropanol (isobutylaldehyde), nonanal, trimethylpyradine, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyradine, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyradine, 2,4-heptadien-6-one, 2,3-diethyl-5-methylpyradine, 2-methyl-3-n-propylpyradine, benzaldehyde, ethyldecanoate, acethylthiazoline, ethylacetophenone, and p-cresol.

[0060] The powder composition of the present invention not only comprises the aforementioned components, but also can have added thereto other additives commonly used in beverages and foods, such as antioxidant, preservative, pH adjustor, sweetener, enrichment, thickening stabilizer, emulsifier, dietary fiber, and quality stabilizer, to the extent that such additives do not impair the effects of the present invention.

[0061] The powder composition of the present invention is in the form of powder and is generally solid. The particle size of the powder composition of this invention is not particularly limited, and is in the range of, for example, from 0.1 to 500 pan, preferably from 1 to 300 μm, more preferably from 10 to 200 μm.

[0062] The powder composition of the present invention can be consumed as it is, but is preferably consumed in the form of a tea beverage prepared by dissolving the powder composition in water, hot water or the like. Therefore, the powder composition of this invention can be provided as an instant tea. As referred to herein, the term “instant tea” refers to a powder beverage processed from a solution of a liquid tea leaf extract used as a source material by drying into a powder form. Examples of 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 thereof include: steamed, non-fermented teas (green teas), such as Sencha (brewed green tea), Bancha (coarse green tea), Houji-cha (roasted green tea), Gokuro (refined green tea), Kabuse-cha (shaded green tea), and Tencha (non-ground tea leaves used for Matcha); non-fermented teas including Kamairi-cha (pot-roasted green teas) such as Ureshinocha, Aovagicha, and Chinese teas: semi-fermented teas such as Hoshucha, Tekkanon tea, and oolong tea; and fermented teas such as black tea, Awa-bancha, and puerh tea. The tea beverage in which the powder composition of this invention is used is preferably a green tea. In other words, the powder composition of this invention can be provided as an instant green tea.

[0063] The powder composition of the present invention can also be added to foods. Examples of such foods include: confectionary foods, such as cakes, sponge cakes, candies, cookies, jellies, puddings, and chocolates; frozen desserts such as ice creams, ice candies, and sherbets; and snacks, regardless of whether they are Japanese or Western confectionaries. Also, the powder composition of this invention can be used in breads or dairy products. When the powder composition of this invention is added to a food, the amount of the powder composition added can be determined, as appropriate, depending on, for example, the type of the food.

[0064] The powder composition of the present invention can be produced through the steps of preparing a solution comprising a tea leaf extract and a dextrin as mentioned above, and drying the prepared solution. Said solution not only comprises a tea leaf extract and a dextrin, but also may contain different additives as mentioned above. The amounts of any of these components to be added can be determined, as appropriate, to the extent that such additives do not impair the effects of the present invention. The order of adding such additives is not particularly limited. As a solvent for preparing the solution, water may be used or a liquid tea leaf extract may be used as it is. The amount of a dextrin to be added to a solution before powdering can be adjusted so as to ensure that the dextrin content in soluble solids of the solution falls within the range of the dextrin content in the powder composition as mentioned above.

[0065] The solution can be dried using a method conventionally known to skilled artisans. Examples of drying methods include spray-drying, freeze drying, hot-air drying, and vacuum drying, with spray-drying being preferably used in the present invention. The conditions for spray-drying, such as drying temperature and time, are not particularly limited, and can be adjusted appropriately for powdering the solution.

[0066] The process of producing the powder composition of the present invention not only comprises the aforementioned steps, but also may comprise a step of concentrating the solution comprising a tea leaf extract and a dextrin, a step of sterilizing the solution, and/or the like. All of these additional steps can be performed using a method conventionally known to skilled artisans.

[0067] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to use of a dextrin for enhancing the ability of a powder composition comprising a tea leaf extract to retain fragrance components derived from tea leaves, wherein the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 in the molecular weight distribution of the dextrin is not less than 10%. Different elements employed in said use, such as tea leaf extract and dextrin, are as described above in preceding paragraphs, and also the distribution of molecular weight fractions in a powder composition is as described above in preceding paragraphs. The use of a dextrin according to this invention is preferably use of a dextrin for the purpose of enhancing the ability of the powder composition to retain fragrance components derived from tea leaves during the process of making the powder composition into a powder form.

EXAMPLES

[0068] Hereunder, the present invention will be described by way of working examples, but this invention is not limited to these examples.

[0069] (1) Preparation of powder compositions Different powder compositions were prepared using a solid material of liquid green tea extract (product name: GT204S; source material: green tea leaves (made in China)), linear dextrin A (TK-16, produced by Matsutani Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; weight average molecular weight: 910: DE: 18), linear dextrin B (Sandec #30, produced by Sanwa Starch Co., Ltd.; weight average molecular weight: 120,000: DE: 2 to 5), a spiral dextrin (Cluster Dextrin, produced by Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd.; weight average molecular weight: 400,000; DE: less than 5), and/or a cyclic dextrin (α-cyclodextrin, produced by CycloChem Co., Ltd.; weight average molecular weight: 973). To be specific, different materials were mixed in different relative proportions as shown in the table given below to prepare a total of 6,000 g each of powder mixtures. To each of the powder mixtures, 14.000 g of water was added to prepare a total of 20,000 g (Brix 30%) each of different stock solutions of powder composition. The aforementioned solid material of liquid tea leaf extract was prepared by drying a liquid tea leaf extract into powder, and contained no dextrin.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Solid tea Linear Linear Spiral Cyclic material dextrin A dextrin B dextrin dextrin [wt. %] [wt. %] [wt. %] [wt. %] [wt. %] Sample 1 50 35 10 0 5 Sample 2 50 25 20 0 5 Sampie 3 50 17 28 0 5 Sample 4 50 45 0 0 5 Sample 5 50 35 0 10 5 Sample 6 50 25 0 20 5 Sarnpie 7 50 17 0 28 5 Sample 8 50 17 14 14 5

[0070] A part of each of the different stock solutions of powder composition prepared above was taken out as a sample for measuring fragrance component concentration, and spray-dried using a spray-dryer to prepare different powder compositions. The drying conditions adopted were an inlet hot-air temperature of 160° C. and an outlet hot-air temperature of 110° C.

[0071] (2) Evaluation of the Ability to Retain Fragrance Components

[0072] Each of the different stock solutions of powder composition and the different powder compositions as prepared above was diluted with or dissolved in water to give a Brix value of 4%. 10 mL each of the prepared solutions was placed in a glass vial containing 3 g of sodium chloride, and the vial was sealed and closed, and then introduced into a gas chromatographic analysis system (Flash GC Nose HERACLES M, produced by Alpha M.O.S. Japan K.K.). The different solutions were analyzed for fragrance components under the conditions detailed below.

[0073] Incubation: 60° C. for 15 min.

[0074] Syringe: temperature: 70° C.: cleaning after injection: 90 sec.

[0075] Headspace injection: 5000 μL at 250 μL/sec.

[0076] Column 1: MXT-5 (slight polarity, 10 m, 180 μm ID, 0.4 μm)

[0077] Column 2: MXT-WAX (high polarity, 10 m, 180 μm ID, 0.4 μm)

[0078] Carrier gas flow rate: hydrogen 1.6 mL/min.

[0079] Flame ionization detector (FID) temperature: 260° C.

[0080] Injector temperature: 200° C.

[0081] Oven temperature: 40° C. (5 sec.), then raised at 1.5° C./sec. to 250° C. (90 sec.)

[0082] Injection time: 125 sec.

[0083] Trap temperature: 50° C. for adsorption, 240° C. for desorption

[0084] Trap time: 130 sec. for adsorption, 35 sec. for preheating

[0085] An integrated value of all peak areas was calculated from the data obtained by the analysis, and divided by a measured Brix value of each of the analyzed solutions to determine a total peak area value detected per solids. Then, for each of the samples, the mathematical expression of “(total peak area value per solids detected in powder composition)/(total peak area value per solids detected in stock solution)” was evaluated to determine a percent retention of tea fragrance components during a period from before to after spray-drying.

[0086] The results of investigating percent retentions of tea fragrance components are as shown in FIG. 1. It was shown that samples prepared with addition of linear dextrin B with a relatively high molecular weight exhibited a higher percent retention of aroma than those prepared with addition of a spiral dextrin (Cluster Dextrin) which was known to have high ability to retain aroma. Further, it was surprisingly found that the highest percent retention of tea fragrance components was exhibited in a sample prepared with combined addition of a spiral dextrin and linear dextrin B.

[0087] (3) Molecular Weight Distributions in Powder Compositions

[0088] The different powder compositions prepared above were measured for molecular weight distribution of soluble molecules present in each composition. The different powder compositions were diluted with a 0.1 mol/L sodium nitrate solution to a concentration of 1% (w/v) to prepare analysis samples, which were measured for molecular weight distribution using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis. Likewise, the distribution of molecular weight fractions in linear dextrin B was also measured by the same procedure. The conditions adopted for the GPC analysis were as detailed below.

[0089] System: [0090] Sampling injector: 231 XL (produced by Gilson) [0091] Pump: 305 (produced by Gilson) [0092] Column oven: CTO-10AS VP (produced by Shimadzu Corporation) [0093] Detector: RID-10A (produced by Shimadzu Corporation) [0094] Columns: Connected in series in the following order: [0095] [Pump].fwdarw.TSKgel Guard Column PWXL (6.0 mm I.D.×4 cm) (produced by Tosoh Bioscience).fwdarw.TSKgel G4000PWXL (particle size: 10 μm, 7.8 mm I.D.×30 cm) (produced by Tosoh Bioscience).fwdarw.TSKgel G3000PWXL (particle size 7 μm, 7.8 mm I.D.×30 cm) (produced by Tosoh Bioscience).fwdarw.[Detector]

[0096] Analytical data system: LabSolutions (produced by Shimadzu Corporation)

[0097] Flow rate: 1 mL/min.

[0098] Injection volume: 50 μL

[0099] Mobile phase: 0.1 mol/L sodium nitrate solution

[0100] Column temperature: 50° C.

[0101] First, the retention times of eight molecular weight fractions were detected using Standard P-82 (Shodex, produced by Showa Denko K. K.) as a standard solution, and a calibration curve was constructed based on the detection results. Next, for each of the analysis samples, a total value of peak areas detected at the different retention times was determined and used to calculate the percentage of a peak area for each size of molecules present in each sample (i.e., the percentage of each peak area relative to total peak area). The measurement results of the distributions of molecular weight fractions in the different samples and linear dextrin B are shown in the table given below.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Molecular weight y y w a b c d e x ≥3,000 < ≥50,000 < ≥150,000 < ≥250,000 < ≥300,000 < ≥350,000 < ≥400,000 < ≥450,000 < f <3,000 50,000 150,000 250,000 300,000 350,000 400,000 450,000 500,000 ≥500,000 Sample 1 72.662% 21.636% 3.230% 1.471% 0.351% 0.221% 0.137% 0.086% 0.062% 0.143% Sample 2 67.136% 23.274% 6.002% 2.433% 0.528% 0.319% 0.198% 0.123% 0.081% 0.120% Sample 3 63.441% 22.484% 7.807% 3.705% 0.909% 0.554% 0.343% 0.245% 0.153% 0.358% Sample 4 96.479% 3.529% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Sample 5 93.144% 6.857% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Sample 6 57.892% 24.462% 14.328% 3.054% 0.213% 0.048% 0.004% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Sample 7 54.060% 22.851% 18.745% 4.025% 0.285% 0.063% 0.019% 0.000% 0.000% 0.000% Sample 8 50.583% 23.809% 19.124% 4.812% 0.672% 0.350% 0.201% 0.124% 0.075% 0.251% Linear 2.683% 8.582% 42.294% 30.286% 10.913% 3.693% 1.181% 0.295% 0.066% 0.006% dextrin B

[0102] The percentages of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000, a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000, and a molecular weight fraction of less than 50.000, as observed in the molecular weight distributions shown above, are further shown in the table given below. At the same time, the ratio of the percentage (b) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 300,000 but less than 350,000 relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 ((b)/(a)), and the ratio of the percentage (c) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 350,000 but less than 400.000 relative to the percentage (a) of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 but less than 300,000 ((c)/(a)), as observed in the molecular weight distributions shown above, are also shown in the table given below.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Molecular weight p q r ≥250,000 ≥300,000 <50,000 b/a c/a Sample 1  1.000% 0.649% 94.298% 0.630 0.390 Sample 2  1.369% 0.841% 90.410% 0.604 0.375 Sample 3  2.562% 1.653% 85.925% 0.609 0.377 Sample 4  0.000% 0.000%   100% — — Sample 5  0.000% 0.000%   100% — — Sample 6  0.265% 0.052% 82.354% 0.225 0.019 Sample 7  0.366% 0.081% 76.911% 0.221 0.063 Sample 8  1.673% 1.001% 74.392% 0.521 0.299 Linear 16.154% 5.241% 11.265% 0.338 0.108 dextrin B

[0103] As evident from the above results, it was found that the percentage of a molecular weight fraction of not less than 250,000 was relatively higher in samples 1, 2.3 and 8 which exhibited high percent retention of aroma, as compared to those in the other samples. This suggested that when components with a molecular weight of not less than 250.000 are present at a percentage not less than the specified value in the molecular weight distribution of a powder composition, the powder composition can exhibit enhanced percent retention of fragrance components derived from tea leaves.