How to Decaffeinate Tea
Decaffeinated tea is an excellent alternative to caffeinated tea when you want some of the same flavors without the jitters or energy crash. Decaffeination is the process of brewing tea without the natural caffeine found in tea leaves. Decaffeinating tea can be done in one of two ways: either naturally or chemically. Here is how to decaffeinate tea:
With Natural Decaffeination
- Steep the tea leaves in hot water for 30 seconds. This replicates water-only steeping; the tea leaves should be fully hydrated for natural decaffeination.
- Discard the first batch of tea. This is important as this effectively removes nearly all of the caffeine in the tea, leaving only traces of it which is beneficial for those wanting only mild levels of caffeine.
- Brew your tea. You can brew the tea as you would normally, by steeping the tea in hot water once again.
- Allow the tea to cool. Once the tea has steeped, allow it to cool down in the container that you brewed it in. This will help reduce any remaining caffeine.
With Chemical Decaffeination
- Contact a tea supplier or tea processor. Tea processors or suppliers will likely be able to provide you with decaffeinated tea using chemical processes. Contact them to find out more.
- Purchase a bag of decaffeinated green tea. This is the easiest and most efficient method of obtaining a decaffeinated form of green tea.
- Brew your tea. Using the instructions on the packaging, brew the tea as normal and allow it to cool before drinking.
No matter which method you decide to use, decaffeinating your tea is a simple process that can help you enjoy the great taste of tea without the crash or jitters associated with caffeine. Whether you decide to use a natural decaffeination process or purchase decaffeinated tea from a supplier, you will be able to enjoy your tea without worrying about the side effects of caffeine.
