How to Make Decaffeinated Tea with Regular Tea Bags
Why would you want to make decaffeinated tea from regular tea bags or from loose tea? Because there are 2 ways that tea producers remove caffeine from tea leaves, and determining their method is not easy.
The first and less desirable method for removing caffeine from tea leaves employs a chemical solvent - ethyl acetate - to extract the caffeine from the tea leaves. This process effectively eliminates caffeine but, aside from the chemical usage, it also pulls out approximately 60% of the healthy antioxidants found in the tea leaves.
The second method for removing caffeine from tea leaves involves water and carbon dioxide. When purchasing commercially decaffeinated tea, this process is preferred. Commercial tea producers call this process effervescence and most of the antioxidants remain in tact with this method.
Enjoy your tea by naturally reducing the caffeine from regular tea bags or loose tea at home. Follow these easy steps to make healthy decaffeinated tea from regular tea easily.
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Instructions
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For decaffeinated iced tea:
Place your tea bags or loose tea in a glass or ceramic tea pot. Pour cold water over the tea and let it sit for approximately 10 hours at room temperature. (Some call this 'Moon Tea' because it's often left on the counter overnight). -
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Remove the tea bags or tea infuser. Add sweetener if desired, and pour over ice. Enjoy your healthy and naturally decaffeinated iced tea.
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For decaffeinated hot tea:
Bring water to a rolling boil and pour it directly over the tea bags or loose tea. Don't use much water because this first brew contains the most caffine and should be either discarded or saved for something other than drinking. Leave this to infuse for 45 - 60 seconds and then gently pour the tea off the tea bags or loose tea. -
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Bring fresh water to just under a rolling boil and pour it onto the same tea bag or loose tea. Don't allow the water to boil for long because boiling reduces the oxygen level that is necessary for enhancing the flavor of the tea.
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Let the tea bag or loose tea infuse for the amount of time that is recommended for your tea of choice.
Recommended brewing times: brew black tea, oolong tea and herbal tea for five minutes; Darjeeling tea for three minutes. Green tea and white tea should be made with water that has stopped boiling for one minute, (let the water cool to about 165 to 175 F) and then steeped for two or three minutes.
Pour this delicious and naturally healthy tea into your favorite teacup, sit back, sip and relax.
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Tips & Warnings
Research indicates that heat releases caffeine.
The majority of caffeine is extracted from tea within the first 30-45 seconds so your tea has approximately 80% less caffeine.
Resources
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