Abstract
This study compares and analyzes inorganic components of four different Pu-erh tea species consumed in Korea. The criteria for the inorganic components was based on the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) recommendations. Out of the 19 general items: potassium, manganese, silicon and fluorine were detected in amounts exceeding the maximum allowable concentration by 5~23, 57~91, 1.6~1.8 and 9~18 times respectively. Out of the 15 potentially harmful elements: aluminum and nickel were exceeded the Maximum allowable concentration by 9~14 times and 0.8~1.2 times respectively. To reduce the concentration of inorganic elements in excess of the maximum allowable concentration, the extraction time of tea should be less than 1 minute in addition to limiting the amount. The amount of Pu-erh tea for extraction was about 0.1 g manganese, about 0.3 g potassium, about 0.5 g fluoride and about 2 g silicon. Therefore, the maximum amount of tea for extraction should be 0.1 g in regards to the safety of Pu-erh tea. Based on the recommended maximum daily intake of inorganic ingredients by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, it is desirable that the number of extractions be less than three.