METHOD FOR PRODUCING CRUDE TEA

摘要

Provided is a method for producing crude tea (aracha) whereby the content of methylated catechins such as epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)gallate (EGCG3"Me) and epicatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl)gallate (ECG3"Me) in Camellia sinensis (L.)O. Kuntze leaves can be increased and thus the antiallergic effect thereof can be improved. A method for producing crude tea having a high methylated catechin content characterized by comprising: a first step wherein plucked fresh C. sinensis (L.)O. Kuntze leaves are exposed to an atmosphere at a temperature of 18oC to 35oC and a humidity of 40% to 95% for 1 hour to 30 hours to thereby increase the concentration of methylated catechins contained in the tea leaves and improve the flavor of the tea leaves; and a second step wherein the C. sinensis (L.)O. Kuntze leaves having been treated in the first step are heated at a definite temperature to thereby stop the fermentation of the tea leaves.