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Decaffeinated & Caffeine-Free Tea - Classifying teas according to caffeine levels
Understanding each tea type is essential in knowing the caffeine content that make up these beverages. These facts can be helpful, especially for the tea-loving person who is careful about their caffeine intake. The English Tea Store has a lot of tea types and blends in our roster that include a combination of both calming and energy-boosting drinks. You can narrow down your search and you will be able to see the differences in regard to their caffeine content.
Caffeine is a stimulating compound that creates an energizing and mood-enhancing effect on most people. It has chemical properties that is obtained from specific plant life, such as leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, coffee beans, cacao pods, citrus flowers, a variety of herbal plants, and kola nuts. If you are looking for tea without caffeine, know that if the blend includes Camellia sinensis or certain herbal vegetation that this will produce caffeine during infusion.
Teas made from Camellia sinensis tea leaves are generally called True Teas. The Camellia sinensis plant is known to infuse high amounts of caffeine and is known to produce green tea, white tea, black tea, oolong tea, and pu-erh tea. Black tea has the highest caffeine content among these true teas, while white and green teas will have the lowest caffeine concentrations.
Tisane, commonly called herbal tea, is a type of tea that does not come from the Camellia sinensis plant. Almost all herbal teas are made from plants, roots, and spices without caffeine at all. Some herbal teas, such as yerba mate, guarana, and guayusa, are processed from caffeinated holly plants. All other tisanes are naturally caffeine-free, excellent for the tea enthusiast who may be sensitive to caffeine intake. Herbal tea has an array of flavor profiles that bring different health benefits, usually targeted to remedy a specific body discomfort. These can be enjoyed hot or iced, that most people love to consume after a long day at work or just before going to bed.
Decaffeinated tea is produced by taking caffeine out of the tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. The caffeine in these true teas is removed from the composition of their tea leaves through chemical processes such as the ethyl acetate method, resulting in a slight change in the tea's flavor. The decaffeination process usually involves omitting caffeine, particularly in black and green teas.
Is there a difference between caffeine-free tea and decaf tea?
Yes, there is a big difference when categorizing tea as caffeine-free and decaffeinated. This is first evident in the kind of tea leaves and plants from where the infusion is originally derived. Second, the caffeine content is considered when defining your favorite tea blend as truly being without the presence of caffeine. Let's compare the distinctions between these two terms.
Caffeine-free tea: Is there 100% caffeine-free tea and is herbal tea caffeine-free?
A 100% caffeine-free tea exists through certain herbal tea blends and infusions. The caffeine-free phrase is generally used to classify tea or any beverage that does not have a single percentage of caffeine in its natural composition. This essentially means that there is not caffeine in it to begin with. Herbal teas are mostly free from caffeine, yet a handful of herbal tea variations from yerba mate, yaupon, guarana, and guayusa do have some caffeine content. Herbal teas are high-level sources of natural detoxifying components, providing antioxidants to improve the immune system, boost energy, and promote calmness in each cup. Flavorful blends complemented by flowers, fruits, and other herbs also make these herbal beverages successful in the tea industry.
Decaffeinated black, green, and other tea types: How much caffeine is left in decaf pure leaf tea?
When tea is said to be decaffeinated, it does not mean that it has zero caffeine. As a matter of fact, an infusion has 2mg or 2.5% of the original caffeine content left in a cup of decaf tea. It should be noted that this number is going to be dependent on the decaffeination method used in the tea itself.
There are four different processes for removing caffeine from tea. Master blenders may use the most natural decaffeination method with carbon dioxide, which is more costly, yet non-toxic and is best in conserving the tea's compounds. Many tea brands opt to use ethyl acetate decaffeination, since it is more affordable for tea makers and guarantees low-level toxicity for the drinkers to consume. Using ethyl acetate is how some decaf blends are known to be naturally decaffeinated. This method gives a chemical or bitter flavor due to the substance the leaves are soaked into during the first phase of decaffeination. Another method uses methylene chloride to maintain the natural profile of the tea but is believed by researchers to cause cancer and birth defects. Teas are also decaffeinated through water processing. Using water to take out caffeine in your tea produces watery flavors and may weaken the strength of your black tea or organic decaf green tea.
Naturally caffeine-free teas: What best types of tea DON'T contain caffeine?
Calm your nerves as you imbibe the only type of tea that is inherent without any trace of caffeine. Herbal tea gives out health benefits you can get to similar types of tea cultivated from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is the perfect drink to enjoy at any time of the day, even before bedtime. The English Tea Store offers a variety of caffeine-free herbal loose leaf tea, tea bags, and K-cups from your most trusted brands in the tea market. We also have Yummy Berry Kiddie Herbal Tea to introduce the joy of healthy living to children at an early age. You do not have to worry about getting too jumpy, sleepless, or encountering tummy discomfort due to caffeine sensitivity with these teas. The English Tea Store has a lot of herbal infusions for you to enjoy and experience the positive results these teas bring to your body.
Is caffeine-free tea ok to drink? The health benefits and advantages of caffeine-free tea
Caffeine-free tea is an excellent drink to consume that gives the same advantages as any regular true tea while offering less caffeine. This tea is your best buddy for a relaxing infusion that you can enjoy even before you go to sleep. Caffeine-free tea relaxes and decompresses the body, freeing you from stress and anxiety gained during the day. It detoxifies the body, leading to lower blood sugar levels, good digestion and heart health, even to help manage weight loss. This tea boosts immunity and enables relief for colds, allergies, sore throats, and even help with infection. Like other teas from the Camellia sinensis plant, caffeine-free teas provide loads of antioxidant properties to nourish and heal the body and have been used as such for centuries.
Steeping caffeine-free teas is not as worrisome, especially when you leave them to infuse for five minutes or more. Brewing this kind of tea for more than the required steep time or up to 10 minutes maximum does not give out a bitter taste, instead, it produces a stronger flavor.
Caffeine-free is suitable for caffeine-sensitive tea drinkers and those who simply love a cup without depriving them of much needed restful sleep. Avoid the jitters and go caffeine-free. No matter what you are looing for, the English Tea Store has an array of caffeine-free tea products to match your palate's craving.
The effects of caffeine-free tea during pregnancy
Pregnant women are advised to limit their caffeine intake as the placenta absorbs this compound easily and passes through the fetus' liver. Keep in mind that the little one in mommy's womb still has developing organs that may not be able to break down certain substances their mother passes onto their system. Anything the mother eats or drinks to nourish herself and the baby is considered safe, but some can impose side effects on the new life. Caffeine is one of those compounds that may lead to higher risks of preterm deliveries, low birth weight, and birth deficiencies. For pregnant ladies who can't resist having a cup of tea even for a day, caffeine-free tea is going to be the safest for the unborn child.
It should be noted that caffeine may not be the only factor that can affect pregnancy in regard to tea. Some herbs used in tea may also threaten to induce miscarriage, stimulate unwanted menstrual bleeding, and birth defects. Make sure you read up on the ingredients blended in making your preferred herbal tea to prevent possible negative effects you or your baby can inadvertently get from these herbs.