Flavor improving agent

Abstract

Disclosed is a flavor improving agent that is a fraction derived from fruit juice or squeeze. A fraction wherein the amount of substance ratio between polyphenols and saccharides, the latter after acid hydrolysis of the fraction, (polyphenol/saccharide) is 0.1-10, and even more preferably, wherein the amount of substance ratio of the polyphenol and the saccharide before acid hydrolysis of the fraction (polyphenol/saccharide) is 1-100, and is used as a flavor improving agent. Such fraction are obtained with a method such as by a fruit juice or squeeze being absorbed onto a synthetic resin adsorbent and the adsorbed components being eluted by a solvent, or by extracting fruit juice or squeeze with ethanol. The flavor improving agent has flavor improving effects such as suppressing sourness, bitterness and astringency of foods and beverages, reducing harsh taste, contributing to a juice-like feel and contributing to a richness. In addition to foods and beverages, the flavor improving agent can also be added to pharmaceutical products or oral care products and the like, as well as to flavor composition.

1 . A flavor improving agent comprising a fraction derived from fruit juice or squeeze, wherein the amount of substance ratio between polyphenols and saccharides, the latter after acid hydrolysis of the fraction, (polyphenol/saccharide) is 0.1 to 10. 
     
     
         2 . The flavor improving agent according to  claim 1 , wherein the amount of substance ratio between polyphenols and saccharides before acid hydrolysis of the fraction, (polyphenol/saccharide) is 1 to 100. 
     
     
         3 . The flavor improving agent according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the fraction is obtained by adsorbing fruit juice or squeeze onto a synthetic resin adsorbent, and eluting the adsorbed ingredients with a solvent. 
     
     
         4 . The flavor improving agent according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the fraction is an ethanol extract of fruit juice or squeeze. 
     
     
         5 . The flavor improving agent according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the fruit is one member selected from among orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, blueberry, strawberry, apple, pear, grape, melon, pineapple, peach, mango, and banana. 
     
     
         6 . The flavor improving agent according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the flavor improving effect is at least one of suppressing sourness, bitterness or astringency, reducing harsh taste of vegetables, giving juice-like feel, and giving a richness. 
     
     
         7 . A flavor composition containing a flavor improving agent according to  claim 1  or  2 . 
     
     
         8 . Foods and beverages containing a flavor improving agent according to  claim 1  or  2 . 
     
     
         9 . A pharmaceutical product containing a flavor improving agent according to  claim 1  or  2 . 
     
     
         10 . An oral care product containing a flavor improving agent according to  claim 1  or  2 .