How To Make Instant Black Tea Powder？

 

Making instant black tea powder involves a simple yet effective process that ensures the tea retains its rich flavor and aroma while being easily soluble in water. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make your own instant black tea powder at home or at a small-scale production level.

 

1. Select High-Quality Tea Leaves

The first step in making instant black tea powder is choosing the right tea leaves. It's essential to select high-quality black tea leaves, preferably organic, to ensure the final product has a rich taste and a smooth texture. Assam, Darjeeling, or Ceylon teas are popular choices, each offering unique flavors. The tea leaves should be fresh and free from any contaminants or pesticides for the best results.

 

2. Drying and Grinding the Tea Leaves

The next step involves drying the tea leaves to reduce their moisture content. You can use a dehydrator or an oven set at a low temperature (around 100-120°C) to dry the leaves until they become crisp and brittle. Once the leaves are thoroughly dried, grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or a specialized tea mill. This fine grinding ensures that the powder will dissolve quickly when mixed with hot water.

 

3. Extracting Tea Concentrate

To make the tea more concentrated, the dried and ground tea powder is mixed with hot water. This creates a tea concentrate that can later be freeze-dried to form instant powder. The ratio of tea powder to water should be approximately 1:5 for a strong concentrate. The tea concentrate is simmered gently to extract the flavor compounds from the tea leaves, ensuring that the resulting tea essence is rich and robust.

 

4. Freeze Drying or Spray Drying

Once the tea concentrate is prepared, the next step is to remove excess water, leaving only the potent tea essence. This is typically done through freeze-drying or spray-drying techniques. Freeze-drying involves freezing the tea concentrate and then removing the moisture by sublimation (turning the ice directly into vapor). Spray-drying, on the other hand, involves spraying the concentrate into hot air, causing the water to evaporate and leaving behind dry tea particles. Both methods preserve the flavor and quality of the tea while turning it into a powder form.

 

5. Sieving and Packaging

Once the tea is freeze-dried or spray-dried, the resulting powder is sieved to ensure uniform particle size. Any larger clumps or uneven particles are removed. The final powder should be fine and smooth, with a consistent texture that dissolves easily in water. The powder is then packaged in airtight containers to preserve its freshness and flavor. Proper packaging is essential to prevent moisture from reactivating the powder, which can lead to clumping or spoilage.

 

6. Storing the Instant Tea Powder

Once packaged, store the instant black tea powder in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and humidity. With proper storage, instant black tea powder can last for several months without losing its flavor or quality. For convenience, you can even create single-serving packets, making it easy to enjoy a cup of tea on the go.

 

 

While instant black tea powder and regular black tea powder may seem similar at first glance, they are quite different in terms of preparation, convenience, and solubility.

 

1. Packaging and Convenience

One of the primary advantages of instant black tea powder is its packaging and convenience. Instant tea powder is typically sold in small, pre-packaged containers or sachets that can be taken anywhere. All you need to do is add hot water, stir, and your tea is ready. This is ideal for busy individuals or travelers who don't have access to teabags or the time to steep loose-leaf tea.

In contrast, regular black tea powder or loose-leaf tea requires more time and equipment for preparation. You need a teapot, strainer, or infuser to brew the tea, and it typically takes several minutes for the tea leaves to steep properly. While this traditional method offers a richer and more authentic tea experience, it's not always practical in every situation.

 

2. Water Solubility

Instant black tea powder is designed to dissolve quickly and completely in water. It is finely ground and processed to ensure it blends seamlessly with hot water, creating a smooth and consistent cup of tea. In contrast, regular black tea powder or loose-leaf tea requires time to steep, and some of the particles may remain suspended in the water, especially if not filtered properly.

The solubility of instant black tea powder makes it ideal for making iced tea or for use in recipes where you need a tea base, such as smoothies, baked goods, or even teas with added flavorings. Regular black tea powder, on the other hand, is best enjoyed in a traditional steeping process where the leaves are allowed to infuse the water slowly.

3. Flavor Intensity

The flavor of instant black tea powder is usually concentrated and strong, as it's designed to be brewed quickly. However, some tea enthusiasts argue that instant tea lacks the depth and complexity that comes from properly steeped loose-leaf tea. The flavor profile of regular black tea powder can be more nuanced, with subtle variations depending on the origin of the leaves and how they are processed.

 

While instant black tea powder offers convenience and speed, those seeking a richer, more traditional tea experience may prefer loose-leaf tea or tea bags. That being said, advancements in the processing of instant tea have allowed for a more satisfying and robust flavor in some premium instant teas.

 

 

 

Instant black tea powder offers several benefits that make it an attractive option for many consumers. Here are a few key advantages:

1. Convenience

The most significant benefit of instant black tea powder is its convenience. Whether you're at home, at work, or on the go, all you need to do is add hot water to the powder and stir. It's perfect for busy individuals who want a quick cup of tea without the need for steeping or additional tools like teapots and strainers.

 

2. Time-Saving

Instant tea powder can save you valuable time. With regular tea, you need to wait several minutes for the tea to steep, but with instant black tea powder, you can have a hot, flavorful cup in seconds. This is especially helpful in busy environments or when you're in a rush.

 

3. Long Shelf Life

Instant black tea powder has a longer shelf life compared to loose-leaf tea. Once sealed and stored properly, it can maintain its flavor for months, making it a convenient option to keep in your pantry for long-term use.

 

4. Consistency

With instant black tea powder, you can expect a consistent flavor with each cup. Since the tea is pre-prepared and processed for easy solubility, you won't experience variations in strength or taste that can occur with traditional loose-leaf tea, which depends on the steeping time and water temperature.

 

5. Versatility

Instant black tea powder can be used in a variety of recipes. Whether you're making iced tea, tea lattes, or adding a boost of flavor to smoothies and desserts, instant tea powder can provide a strong and consistent flavor without the need for brewing.

 

 

 

If you're interested in purchasing high-quality instant black tea powder, SOST Biotech is a professional supplier specializing in instant tea powder products. They offer a range of instant tea powders that are carefully processed to retain the authentic flavor and health benefits of black tea. Whether you need bulk quantities or smaller packages, SOST Biotech provides convenient and reliable options for consumers and businesses alike.

For more information or to place an order, you can visit the SOST Biotech website or contact their sales team directly.

 

 

Conclusion

Instant black tea powder offers a convenient, time-saving, and versatile alternative to traditional tea. It is perfect for individuals who want to enjoy a flavorful cup of tea without the need for steeping or additional equipment. Whether you're a busy professional, a traveler, or someone who simply enjoys the convenience of a quick brew, instant black tea powder is an excellent option to consider. 

 

References

1. Nunes, M.A., & Sato, H.H. (2020). Tea Processing and Its Effect on Tea Quality. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 57(4), 1127-1134.

2. Zhang,Q., et al. (2017). Development and Application of Instant Tea Powders. Food Research International, 98, 43-50.