Instant tea is a powdered mix in which water is added, in order to reconstitute it into a cup of tea. The earliest form of instant tea was developed in the United Kingdom in 1885.[1]: 538 A patent was granted for a paste made of concentrated tea extract, sugar, and evaporated milk, which became tea when hot water was added. However, no notable developments were made until spray drying technology allowed for drying the tea concentrates at a temperature which did not damage the flavors of the product.
- ^ Wilson, K.C. (1992). Tea: Cultivation to Consumption. London: Chapman & Hall.