Dark opal basil leaves or extract thereof having improved storability

Abstract

The present invention provides dark opal basil leaves or an extract thereof, containing anthocyanin dye derived from the dark opal basil, in concentrated form. The process of the present invention comprises steps of (1) adding salt to dark opal basil leaves, (2) dehydrating the dark opal basil leaves obtained in step (1), and (3) immersing the dark opal basil leaves obtained in step (2) in an organic acid solution. In step (2), the dark opal basil leaves to be dehydrated are physically treated to such an extent that the cells thereof are broken or not broken.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A process for producing dark opal basil leaves wherein its dye is kept in a high concentration, which comprises the steps of:
 (1) adding salt to dark opal basil leaves,   (2) physically treating the dark opal basil leaves obtained in step (1) to such an extent that the cells thereof are not broken,   (3) dehydrating the dark opal basil leaves obtained in step (2),   (4) immersing the dark opal basil leaves dehydrated in step (3) in an organic acid solution, and   (5) separating the dark opal basil leaves from the organic acid solution.   
     
     
         12 . The process of  claim 11 , wherein in step (2), the dark opal basil leaves to be dehydrated are physically treated to such an extent that 50% or more of the cells of the leaves are maintained unbroken. 
     
     
         13 . The process of  claim 12 , wherein in step (2), the dark opal basil leaves to be dehydrated are physically treated to such an extent that 65% or more of the cells of the leaves are maintained unbroken. 
     
     
         14 - 16 . (canceled)