Abstract

The present invention includes a method for creating a portable and quickly dissolving tea or other tea-like botanical tablet that can be used to prepare a flavorful, visually appealing, and clear cup of tea. The process may include the steps of: (1) extraction/infusion, (2) clarification, (3) concentrate preparation, (4) degassing the concentrate, and (5) chunkification. A spinning cone column may be used during the extraction/infusion step to preserve the aromatics and nutrients from the leaves, leading to better taste and improved retention of compounds thought to be beneficial to human health. A centrifuge may be used to remove suspended solids during the clarification step and a pressure chamber or sonication device may be used during the degassing step. Chunkification may involve the freezing of the concentrate followed by the removal of water from the concentrate to create a solid tablet of easily portable shape and size.

IPC Classes  ?

• A23F 3/32 - Agglomerating, flaking or tabletting
• A23F 3/18 - Extraction of water soluble tea constituents
• A23F 3/24 - Drying or concentrating tea extract by freezing out the water
• A23F 3/26 - Drying or concentrating tea extract by lyophilisation
• A23F 3/42 - Isolation of tea flavour or tea oil
• B01D 3/38 - Steam distillation