Abstract
Major characteristics of shrinking and rehydration of Korean tea-leaves were investigated in the hot-air drying equipment. Experiments were performed with various drying temperature, plucking time, heating method and rolling condition. The values of shrinking raito and rate were the highest at 7$0^{\circ}C$ in the range of 3$0^{\circ}C$ to 9$0^{\circ}C$. The 1st tea-leaves and showed higher values. Shrinking ratio was 16.62 and 19.62% for leaves and stems; shrinking rate was found 0.083 and 0.091cm/hr.cm, respectively. The rehydration characteristics of tea-leaves at the drying temperature of 3$0^{\circ}C$ were fairly satisfactory. The 2nd tea-leaves showed higher value than others, while the natural tea-leaves were lower. Average rehydration ratio and rehydration rate constant were 85.7% and 0.063/min for leaves; 80.1% and 0.032/min for stems, respectively.
