Flavor-retention agent

Abstract

The invention provides a flavor-retention agent which is harmless to the environment and the human body and exhibits excellent ability to prevent deterioration of flavors. The flavor-retention agent contains an active ingredient which is obtained by subjecting a raw material such as leaves and/or tubers of a potato plant to extraction.

1 - 10 . (canceled)  
   
   
       11 . An article, comprising a target object and a flavor-retention agent containing a potato tuber extract, wherein the target object is a food, and wherein the agent is an agent for preventing deterioration of flavor.  
   
   
       12 . An article according to  claim 11 , wherein the potato tuber extract is obtained through extraction by use of an organic solvent  
   
   
       13 . An article according to  claim 11 , wherein the potato tuber extract is obtained through extraction by use of ethanol.  
   
   
       14 . An article according to  claim 11 , wherein the potato tuber extract is obtained through extraction by use of water.  
   
   
       15 . An article according to  claim 11 , wherein the article contains the agent in an amount of from 1 ppm to 10 wt % based on the weight of the target object.  
   
   
       16 . An article according to  claim 11 , wherein the article contains a total of from 0.1 to 20 ppm of the agent.  
   
   
       17 . An article according to  claim 16 , wherein the target object is chewing gum.  
   
   
       18 . An article according to  claim 17 , wherein the article contains from 1 to 20 ppm of the agent.  
   
   
       19 . An article according to  claim 11 , wherein the article contains from 0.01 to 1 ppm of the agent.  
   
   
       20 . An article according to  claim 19 , wherein the target object is a carbonated beverage.  
   
   
       21 . An article according to  claim 20 , wherein the article contains from 0.1 to 1 ppm of the agent.  
   
   
       22 . A method, comprising preventing the deterioration of flavor of a target object by adding an agent comprising a potato tuber extract to a target object.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising obtaining the potato tuber extract to be added to the target object through extraction by use of an organic solvent.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising obtaining the potato tuber extract to be added to the target object through extraction by use of ethanol.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising obtaining the potato tuber extract to be added to the target object through extraction by use of water.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the target object is selected from the group consisting of a food, a fragrance, a cosmetic, a toiletry, a bath-additive product, a body-care product, a detergent, a finishing product, an aromatic deodorant, and a pharmaceutical.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the target object is chewing gum.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the target object is a carbonated beverage.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the agent is added to the target object in an amount of from 1 ppm to 10 wt % based on the weight of the target object.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the agent is added in a total amount of from 0.1 to 20 ppm.  
   
   
       31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the target object is chewing gum  
   
   
       32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the agent is added in a total amount of from 1 to 20 ppm.  
   
   
       33 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the agent is added in a total amount of from 0.01 to 1 ppm.  
   
   
       34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the target object is a carbonated beverage.  
   
   
       35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the agent is added in a total amount of from 0.1 to 1 ppm.  
   
   
       36 . The method of  claim 22 , further comprising preparing a solution or a dispersion containing the agent prior to adding the agent to the target object.  
   
   
       37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the solution or dispersion comprises a solvent, the agent, and one or more of a thickener, a surfactant, and an anti-oxidant.  
   
   
       38 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the solvent is selected from the group consisting of water, ethanol, a middle-chain fatty acid ester, a refined vegetable oil, and an edible oil.  
   
   
       39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the solvent is glycerin.  
   
   
       40 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the solvent is palm oil or a corn-derived salad oil.  
   
   
       41 . The method of  claim 37 , wherein the solution or dispersion comprises the amount of from 10 ppm to 50 wt % based on the weight of the solvent.