Effect of tannase treatment on protein–tannin aggregation and sensory attributes of green tea infusion

Effect of tannase enzymatic treatment on protein–tannin aggregation and sensory attributes of green tea infusion was investigated. Green tea leaves were extracted with hot water at 85 °C for 20 min, the tea infusion was then treated with tannase. Results showed that both EGCG and ECG of the tea catechins were hydrolyzed by tannase into EGC and EC, respectively, accompanied by production of gallic acid. The tannase-treated tea infusion had a relatively lower binding ability with protein. Changes in the content of tea catechins, formation of tea cream, and turbidity of tea infusion with or without tannase treatment were measured after 4 weeks. Content of catechins in the tannase-modified tea remained almost unchanged, while those without tannase treated (control) decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, better color appearance and less tea cream formation were observed for the tannase-treated green tea, and tea cream formed for the control after storage. Results of the sensory evaluation showed that mouth feeling, taste and the overall acceptance of the tannase-treated green tea infusion were all better than those of the control.