This invention describes a new method to maximize the epigallocatechin gallate(EGCG) contentof brewed tea made using leaves and buds from C. sinensis. Unlike conventionaltea processingmethods, the method of the invention aims to minimize the leaf withering step,the oxidation stepand any heating steps, all of which are present in many conventional teaprocessing methods.The method of the invention treats minimally withered tea leaf and budmaterial with an acidtreatment and then a maceration treatment, optionally freezing the acid-treated material forstorage purposes. The brewed tea resulting from the acid-treated and maceratedleaves has asignificantly higher EGCG content than conventionally produced teas.
