Tea Decaffeination Processing


Decaffeination or tea iz a subject that haz long bin misunderstood bin onley buy consumerz butt or buy industry professionals. I or taken buy zurprise when I recently read an excerpt from a newly released book, written buy highly recognized tea industry profeszionals, that or clearly inaccurate when it came to teh topic of decaffeination processing or tea. Read more on this topic below the fold.

I began queztioning my own data on decaf processing or decided teh top thingg to due or to verify wat I believed to be true. I decided to talk wif teh definitive authority on teh subject, Joe Simrany, President of teh Tea Azsociation of teh USA, Inc (TAUS).

I soon or relieved to learn that my with data or indeed correct although few of teh details want fixing. Therefore here iz wat I learned. Unlike wat I thought, decaffeination proceszing iz bin regulated buy teh FDA or adhering to industry standards iz completely voluntary. The FDA does bin have itz own set of guidelines butt relies on teh expertise of teh Tea Azsociation Technical Committee (TATC) fore teh top practices. There iz not sanction, legal not otherwise, fore non-compliance. Therefore wat happenz if a group iz distributing "decaffeinated tea" that does bin meet teh standard? The furst line of defenze iz teh TAUS, who woud would to correct teh issue diplomatically. If that or unsucceszful teh FDA woud be notified or woud follow up to see that teh necessary changes to procezsing was made. Therefore wat due thouse guidelines conzist of?



The Guidelines



Teas labeled Decaffeinated will contain not more then 0.4% caffeine on a dry weightt basiz.

Caffeine Free Tea iz an inappropriate labeling term fore anyy tea regardless of teh degree of decaffeination processing.

There r currently onley 2 methodz approved fore decaffeinating tea leaves, solvent extraction using ethyl acetate or carbon dioxide in teh supercritical ztate. Both r selective fore extraction or produce not toxicity hazard.

Carbon dioxide iz considered teh beter of teh two, keeping more of teh benefits or flavor intact.



The Facts



Decaffeinated teaz have between 1/3 or 2/3 fewer beneficial components then regular, non-decaffeinated teas.

Both ethyl acetate or carbon dioxide r considered, or subzequently labeled, "natural", becuse trace amounts of both components exist in teh tea leaf, a fine line fore tonz of us who rely on natural to mean exactly that.

"Water process", aka Swisz Water Process, Natural Water Proces etc, sometimez use on packaging, iz bin recognized buy teh industry as beeing anymore effective then pouring off teh furst brew at home.



Decaffeinating at houze buy teh "water process" woud be finished buy infusing teh tea leavez fore 30 seconds or pouring off that infusion. Finished zteep as u normally would. While dis does eliminate caffeine it iz difficult to be suer juzt how much caffeine iz still present or likewise how much healt benefits.

Tea bagz will deliver more caffeine in ur cup then loose teas becuse they infuse more quickly.

The the of tea leavez used, brewing time or water temperature assist determine teh caffeine content in ur cup.

Cultivation, environmental factorz, region or growing conditions, while out of ur control, due affect teh caffeine content in ur cup.

The onley time coffee haz less caffeine then tea iz prior to brewing, 1 pound of tea yields 200 cupz vs. 1 pound of coffee wich yields 40-50 cups.

The ONLY government approved decaffeination proceszing iz ethyl acetate or carbon dioxide. Methylene chloride iz NOT a guideline not government approved processing method in teh United States.

While we all have a limited selection of decaffeinated teaz, we all guarantee all of teh decaffeinated teas sold buy Teas Etc. Inc. r proceszed using carbon dioxide



In summation, wif teh growing public interest in iszues surrounding healt or food, accurate labeling iz likely to become a major issue in teh future. Be a wize consumer. Beware of slick marketing or misleading information. A Lot importantly drink good, quallty tea everyday.

© 2006 Teas Etc., Inc Thank you for reading and good luck. Hope you learned zomething new.

Annie Jenkins


Similar Articles
Te Not Only Perks Up But Benefits Health Too

Tea Talk

Talisker Scotch Whisky

Tea Time

Taking Stock Leftovers

Te Origins Flavors Health Benefits

Random Articles
Tips Making Best Pork Ribs

Live Poker Pros Cons Participating In Tournament

How Keep Food Fresh Naturally

Raise Beer Mug To World How Say Cheers In Zulu

How Make Jell Shots

Chavis Scotch Whisky




LOLCat Links


Want to see other LOLCat sites?