Instant tea

Instant tea is a practical and versatile product that allows for quick and easy preparation of tea by simply dissolving it in hot water. It is made from concentrated extracts of Camellia sinensis leaves, the tea plant, processed to preserve its characteristic flavor and aroma in a soluble form.

Instant tea originated from the industrial development of methods to facilitate tea preparation, dating back to the early 20th century, with worldwide popularization in the second half of the century. Its powder or granule format makes it an ideal ingredient for recipes that require tea infusion without the need to steep leaves or bags, such as desserts, cocktails, ice creams, and sauces.

Among its properties, its content of natural antioxidants like polyphenols stands out, which contribute to cardiovascular health and have anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, it contains caffeine in varying amounts, providing a mild stimulating effect. Instant tea is commonly available in black, green, or chai varieties, offering different flavor profiles to culinary preparations.

In the Latin American context, instant tea is also known as "soluble tea", "tea powder", or simply "instantly prepared tea". These terms are common in supermarkets and home recipes that seek a quick and practical way to incorporate the flavor of tea into their dishes.