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Caffeine in Tea
Tea naturally contains caffeine. "Decaf" tea is either an herbal blend that contains no tea
leaves, or it is tea leaves that have been treated to remove the caffeine. While we have a
selection of naturally caffeine-free TeaBar brand herbal blends and rooibos at Far West, we do
not offer decaffeinated tea.
One of the most popular questions that we get at Far West is, "How much caffeine is in this
tea?" It's a question that isn't easy to answer.
It is generally accepted that white teas and green teas will be lower in caffeine than black teas.
In reality, caffeine is a component of every tea leaf. Chemical analysis shows little difference
across all tea categories.
While this may be true, the level of caffeine in your tea is also affected by brewing conditions.
These conditions include the amount of tea leaves used, the temperature of the water, and
perhaps most importantly the length of the brewing time.
It is widely held that it is possible to remove caffeine from your tea since it is extracted early
during the infusion. Simply pour the desired temperature water over the tea leaves and steep for
20 to 30 seconds. Strain or otherwise remove the tea leaves and discard this initial infusion.
Cover the leaves with brewing water again and steep as usual. Subsequent infusions will have
even less caffeine.
It is also known that tannins are extracted later during the infusion. Tannins may have a bitter
taste, but have been shown to counteract caffeine. Use less tea leaves to prevent an overly
bitter brew while extending your brewing time to allow the tannins and caffeine to interact. This
technique should produce a soothing, rather than stimulating, cup of tea.
It is possible to acquire decaffeinated tea. Read the label. The decaffeinating technique may
not be clearly noted. It is important to weigh the benefits and convenience of decaffeinated tea
with the use of a product that may have been "treated" to alter its natural state.
Tea naturally contains caffeine. "Decaf" tea is either an herbal blend that contains no tea
leaves, or it is tea leaves that have been treated to remove the caffeine. While we have a
selection of naturally caffeine-free TeaBar brand herbal blends and rooibos at Far West, we do
not offer decaffeinated tea.
One of the most popular questions that we get at Far West is, "How much caffeine is in this
tea?" It's a question that isn't easy to answer.
It is generally accepted that white teas and green teas will be lower in caffeine than black teas.
In reality, caffeine is a component of every tea leaf. Chemical analysis shows little difference
across all tea categories.
While this may be true, the level of caffeine in your tea is also affected by brewing conditions.
These conditions include the amount of tea leaves used, the temperature of the water, and
perhaps most importantly the length of the brewing time.
It is widely held that it is possible to remove caffeine from your tea since it is extracted early
during the infusion. Simply pour the desired temperature water over the tea leaves and steep for
20 to 30 seconds. Strain or otherwise remove the tea leaves and discard this initial infusion.
Cover the leaves with brewing water again and steep as usual. Subsequent infusions will have
even less caffeine.
It is also known that tannins are extracted later during the infusion. Tannins may have a bitter
taste, but have been shown to counteract caffeine. Use less tea leaves to prevent an overly
bitter brew while extending your brewing time to allow the tannins and caffeine to interact. This
technique should produce a soothing, rather than stimulating, cup of tea.
It is possible to acquire decaffeinated tea. Read the label. The decaffeinating technique may
not be clearly noted. It is important to weigh the benefits and convenience of decaffeinated tea
with the use of a product that may have been "treated" to alter its natural state.
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